[Intl-tobacco] Israel: Gov't proposes law forbidding cigarette sales to minors

[Robert Weissman]

Gov't proposes law forbidding cigarette sales to minors
Haaretz
 February 15, 2004

 Gideon Alon

 The government decided on Sunday to submit a bill to the Knesset that, if
 approved, would forbid the sale of cigarette and tobacco products to youth
 under the age of 18. Health Minister Daniel Naveh sought the government's
 approval for the proposed bill after it was opposed by the Knesset's
 Constitution, Law and Justice Committee. According to the bill, merchants
 will be obligated to post signs in their business stating that the sale of
 cigarettes to individuals under the age of 18 is forbidden. Merchants who
 violate the law would be fined.

 According to explanations accompanying the proposed law, the new regulations
 would apply not just to cigarettes but to other tobacco products such as
 chewing tobacco. A variety of addictive tobacco products, all of which pose
 significant health risks such mouth cancer, are covered by the proposed law.
 Naveh told ministers that "damage to youth caused by smoking is significant
 and the goal of the law is to prevent the free access of youth to tobacco
 products, thus reducing this damage." The Israel Cancer Association
 welcomed the government's decision.