05.11.2026 08:51
New restrictions on smoking in Türkiye are on the agenda. In the regulation prepared by the AK Party and expected to be submitted to Parliament after budget discussions, the Japan and Australia models are being examined. Limiting smoking in open areas such as parks, beaches, stops, and streets, and banning smoking outside designated special areas are being considered.
A new regulation expanding the scope of smoking bans in Turkey is being worked on. It has been learned that the AK Party's bill, which includes restrictions on smoking and oversight of dietary supplements, has been postponed to the new year. The bill, expected to be submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in the January-February period, is anticipated to come onto the agenda after the completion of budget discussions.
MAJOR RESTRICTION ON SMOKING OUTDOORS
One of the most striking headings of the new regulation is restrictions on smoking in open areas. According to the news in Türkiye newspaper, models implemented in Japan and Australia were examined.
In line with practices in Japan, options are being evaluated to restrict smoking on streets and allow smoking only in designated special areas.
PARKS, BEACHES AND STOPS MAY ALSO BE INCLUDED
Smoking restrictions in Australia are also among the practices taken as examples in preparatory work. Broad restrictions on smoking in open areas such as parks, beaches and public transport stops are on the agenda.
In the Australian model under review, the practice that areas where smoking is allowed in outdoor venues must not exceed 50 percent of the total area is also cited among the topics being considered.
IDENTITY VERIFICATION IN CIGARETTE SALES ON THE AGENDA
Within the scope of the regulation, the use of an identity verification system in cigarette sales is also being discussed. Based on the Japan model, the aim is to more strictly supervise cigarette sales, create special smoking areas and limit use on streets.
A JOINT INSPECTION MECHANISM WITH FOUR INSTITUTIONS WILL BE ESTABLISHED
The bill will not be limited to smoking bans. Increasing inspections of the production and sale of dietary supplements will also be included in the regulation.
A joint inspection mechanism is planned to be established with the participation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Industry and Technology and the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). In this way, it is aimed to prevent smuggled, health-hazardous and unregistered dietary supplements.
EYES TURNED TO PARLIAMENT
The scope of the new bans on smoking and the areas where they will be implemented will become clear when the bill is submitted to Parliament. The regulation, expected to come onto the agenda after budget discussions, is anticipated to be presented to lawmakers for evaluation in the January-February period.
In the regulation, which has not yet become law, a final decision has not been made on which open areas will definitely be included within the scope of the ban.