Example 1: Danish regulations to phase out smoking

Abstract

Abstract In recent years, progress in Danish tobacco control has come to a halt and there has been an increase in smoking prevalence. A capacity assessment report on the implementation of effective tobacco control measures concluded that there is no overall strategy or plan to protect children, adolescents and adults from the harms of tobacco, despite the national vision of no children and adolescents smoking by 2030. Another finding was that the tobacco industry is influential in Danish policy-making and not properly regulated. Key recommendations were: 1) Develop an overall, comprehensive strategy and implement a well-designed plan. 2) Increase tobacco taxes. 3) Adopt plain packaging and a point-of-sale display ban. 4) Ensure protection from exposure to second-hand smoke and 5) Protect public health policy from the influence of the tobacco industry. The Danish Government, however, is very reluctant and there is no sign of implementation of the recommendations, despite strong public support. On the other hand, there is progress at local level as many municipalities and private workplaces have implemented smokefree working hours (no smoking at all during working hours, even if you work at home), schools have implemented smokefree school hours (no smoking from 8 to 16, even if pupils go home for lunch or break) and large supermarket chains have implemented point-of-sale display bans.