Tobacco Control Legislation in the Netherlands

Abstract

Critics have warned that Dutch legislation and policy increasingly lag behind that of other countries when it comes to regulating tobacco. There have been criticisms on multiple fronts, including the lack of a firm smoking ban in all (public and/or private) spaces, the absence of warning labels with pictures and/or plain packaging on tobacco products, limited taxes on tobacco products, lack of display bans, reduction of sale points, and the absence of a comprehensive tobacco control campaign. Arguably, the current position is caused by the emphasis that Dutch society tends to place on autonomy and individual freedom.

Keywords: Tobacco Control, Netherlands, Tobacco sale, Smoking ban bars, non-compliance, FCTC