Romania Bans Selling to Kids (fwd)

[Robert Weissman <rob@essential.org>]

Romanian government bans the selling of
cigarettes to teenagers

April 9, 1999

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA - AP World News via
NewsEdge Corporation : In a an attempt to
curb teen smoking, the government on
Thursday banned vendors from selling
cigarettes to anyone under 18 years of age. 

The government imposed fines of up to 5
million lei (dlrs 338), for those who violate
the ban. The fine of 5 million lei is almost four
times the average monthly salary in this
impoverished Balkan country. 

The government ruling, which takes effect
next week, also outlaws smoking
advertisements in cinema halls. 

Smoking is widespread in Romania. The
government recently banned drivers from
smoking while at the wheel, and doubled
taxes for cigarettes. Cigarette packs must
carry a health warning, as of last year,
according to government regulations. 

(ma/am) 

[Copyright 1999, Associated Press]