Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) is preparing a draft health bill containing 20 to 25 articles to revise public smoking regulations. The legislation targets pseudo-enclosed spaces in the hospitality sector, implements buffer zones around sensitive public infrastructure, and tightens sales enforcement before heading to the Grand National Assembly (TBMM).
Redefining Smoking Zones in Cafes and Restaurants
A primary focus of the draft bill targets outdoor sections of cafes and restaurants. During colder months, many venues enclose outdoor patios with retractable awnings, glass panels, and heaters, effectively turning them into indoor spaces with poor ventilation.
The proposed rules establish clearer physical criteria for designated smoking zones. Under the framework, venues will be required to structure designated smoking areas based on their overall floor space or allocate suitable open-air environments. Establishments must also provide fully separated open-air spaces for non-smoking patrons.
Establishing Buffer Zones Around Schools and Healthcare Facilities
The draft legislation extends restrictions beyond private businesses to protect public and youth spaces. Lawmakers plan to enforce distance limits that prohibit smoking within a specific radius of:
- Hospital courtyards and emergency room entrances
- Primary and secondary school perimeters
- Places of worship
- Sports facilities and playgrounds frequented by children
Negotiations are currently underway among lawmakers to determine the exact perimeter distance, measured in meters, for these restricted zones.
Enforcing Retail ID Checks and Maintaining E-Cigarette Bans
The package addresses retail compliance by stepping up inspections of tobacco vendors. Regulators plan to enforce mandatory age verification by requiring identification checks at the point of sale to prevent underage access.
Officials clarified that recent rumors regarding a total tobacco ban or a generational sales ban based on birth years are false. However, the legislation confirms that Turkey’s existing ban on the commercial sale and distribution of electronic cigarettes will remain fully enforced.
