Strong new anti-smoking measures adopted in Monaco

This was an aberration of Law 1.346 dated May 9, 2008. Until now, in the Principality, minors aged over 16 were legally able to purchase tobacco, whatever its form, and their presence in the country's smoking rooms was not prohibited.

With the vote on Bill No. 1104 this Thursday, May 15, in the National Council, unanimously by the 18 elected representatives present (1), this is no longer possible and the legal criterion has been wisely raised by two years, the age of majority. And this, to "protect minors from the harmful effects of smoking" , maintains Christophe Robino, government advisor and Minister of Social Affairs and Health.

More generally, this text allows for a broad alignment of the legislation with the evolution of the tobacco market and consumption habits, given the proliferation of tobacco-related products and electronic devices. "We are broadening the definition of tobacco products. There is no longer any question of letting manufacturers play with the limits. If a product looks like tobacco, acts like tobacco, then it is tobacco and it will be regulated as such," declared the elected rapporteur, Roland Mouflard, describing nicotine as a "poison."

Total ban on puffing

Among the new products on the market are puffs, these disposable electronic cigarettes that are very popular with the younger generation (2) for their affordable cost, attractive marketing and tangy flavours. Their total ban on the territory of the Principality is also a major point of the adopted text, because they constitute, in the eyes of the Monegasque authorities, "an undesirable gateway to smoking" .

This prohibition, which elected officials had called for in a bill passed in October 2024, applies to manufacturing, distribution, sale, consumption, production, and free supply. It carries graduated fines (up to €200 for consumption, €18,000 for sale, and €90,000 for production), according to a request from the Social Interests and Miscellaneous Affairs Committee.

"The government has chosen this coherent, responsible and resolutely pioneering position (...) because of their attractiveness to young people, the health risks that result from them but also their worrying environmental impact," explains Christophe Robino.

New places where smoking or consuming tobacco is prohibited

Finally, the text provides for the extension of places where tobacco consumption is prohibited, with or without electronic devices, in a stated desire to strengthen the fight against passive smoking. "The ban is adapted for certain places, such as coastal beaches and public swimming pools [but also commercial premises, editor's note] ; it is general for others, like public transport, playgrounds or vehicles transporting minors," explains Christophe Robino.

This ban does not, however, apply to snuff and products for oral use – such as "pouches", nicotine sachets placed against the gum – in order "not to hinder withdrawal" among adults using these substitutes in "a therapeutic approach" , qualifies Roland Mouflard.

However, these products are indeed banned from establishments intended for minors. "It seemed urgent to address this alarming consumption habit and strengthen youth protection ," the elected official said.

"Ambitious and targeted awareness campaign"

On this subject, which marked a convergence of views between the government and the National Council, all agree that awareness must be at the heart of the fight against smoking. "This law will not be able to fully bear fruit without an active prevention policy (...) by means of an ambitious and targeted awareness campaign to inform, alert and empower the entire population," concludes Nathalie Amoratti-Blanc.

(1) Absent: Karen Aliprendi, Jade Aureglia, Christophe Brico, Mathilde Le Clerc, Fabrice Notari and Balthazar Seydoux.

(2) 18% of adolescents aged 13 to 16 have already used puff and 34% of them started their nicotine consumption with this product, according to a study conducted in 2024 by the Alliance against tobacco and the BVA institute.