According to the initiators of the proposal, smoking is a growing problem, particularly among minors. "Statistics show that the number of smokers is constantly increasing worldwide and that people start smoking at a dangerously younger age," the explanatory note to the draft Law reads. The authors of the amendments to the Law hope that prohibiting persons under the age of 18 from smoking/consuming and holding of tobacco products will strengthen smoking prevention measures and reduce smoking/consuming of tobacco products among minors.
On Tuesday the Seimas approved amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences (draft Law No XIIP-2095(2)), thereby establishing administrative liability for this offence as of 1 May 2015. The Code stipulates that minors smoking/consuming tobacco products or related products (electronic cigarettes) or holding tobacco or related products (electronic cigarettes and refill containers) will be subject to a fine from EUR 14 to EUR 28 with confiscation of tobacco or related products. A fine for misdemeanours by persons under the age of 16 will be imposed on parents or guardians (custodians). A fine for repeated offences will amount to EUR 28 to EUR 86 with confiscation of tobacco or related products.
The Law on Tobacco Control has banned so far only the sale, purchase or any other transfer of tobacco products to persons under the age of 18, but it has not set the age limit for smoking or holding tobacco products.
