International experience shows that 59 countries have banned tobacco product display at points of sale, and these countries have an adult smoking rate approximately 7% lower than nations without such a ban, stated Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan. He made the remarks at a policy communication workshop for the draft Law amending and supplementing some articles of the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms, held on 27/2 in Ha Noi.

Nguyen Trong Khoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment under the Ministry of Health, also noted that a display ban would reduce product appeal, curb impulse purchases, and limit access for children and adolescents. This regulation aligns with Vietnam's international commitments under the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Smoking is harmful to health and the environment. Photo: Linh Dang

To enforce the new regulation, authorities require sales points to store tobacco products in separate cabinets, not mixed with other goods. These cabinets must have closed doors or blinds to completely conceal cigarette packs, and sellers must close the cabinet immediately after retrieving a product for a customer.

Khoa believes this concealment measure reduces product appeal and limits consumers' impulse buying behavior. Field monitoring in major urban areas reveals an average of 13 tobacco sales points surrounding each school, making it too easy for students to purchase tobacco. The current law, which permits the open display of cigarette packs, effectively condones direct advertising at points of sale, thereby stimulating consumption.

Despite the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms being in effect for 13 years, Vietnam still faces a significant burden with approximately 15,8 million smokers. Statistics show that tobacco smoke claims over 100,000 lives annually. In 2022 alone, the economic loss caused by tobacco was estimated at 108,700 billion VND, equivalent to 1,14% of the national GDP. Deputy Minister Thuan reiterated international findings: 59 countries successfully implementing display bans have adult smoking rates 7% lower than countries without such measures.

To further strengthen a healthy living environment, Nguyen Tuan Lam, an expert from the World Health Organization (WHO) in Vietnam, urged the drafting committee to completely eliminate designated indoor smoking areas and those on public transportation. Universities should establish entirely smoke-free environments across their campuses. Authorities also need to leverage digital technology by developing mobile applications or setting up hotlines for citizens to quickly report violations.

Le Nga