31.01.2026 16:31
The Ministry of Health has initiated a new legislative effort in response to the increase in smoking. With the new regulations, semi-open areas will be considered closed areas, and a smoking ban of 5 meters will be enforced at building entrances. On the other hand, children's parks and beaches will be regarded as "red lines" and included in the smoke-free area scope.
Despite the measures taken, the increase in cigarette use in Turkey has prompted the Ministry of Health to take action for new regulations. The ministry is preparing to update the legislation regarding enclosed spaces in order to create a more effective framework for combating smoking. The new roadmap aims to expand the scope of existing bans and make inspections clearer.
SEMI-OPEN AREAS WILL BE CONSIDERED ENCLOSED SPACES
The concept of "semi-open area" will be redefined in the new regulation. Venues with retractable roofs, awning-covered areas, and winter gardens will be classified as completely enclosed spaces. A total ban on smoking will be imposed in these areas.
5-METER RULE WILL BE APPLIED AT ENTRANCES
As part of the new legislation, regulations will also be made at the main entrance doors of public buildings, shopping centers, and restaurants. According to a report by Ziyneti Kocabıyık from Türkiye Newspaper, smoking will not be allowed within at least 5 meters from the entrances of these structures. The aim of this application is to prevent cigarette smoke from entering enclosed spaces.
CHILDREN'S PARKS AND BEACHES WILL BE "RED ZONES"
Another headline of the regulation will be children and public open spaces. All children's parks will be declared as "red zones" and included in the smoke-free area scope. Additionally, as part of a pilot application, "blue zones" will be created on some beaches, imposing restrictions on smoking at the beaches as well.
THE HISTORY OF THE FIGHT AGAINST SMOKING IN TURKEY
The use of tobacco products in enclosed spaces in Turkey was largely banned by Law No. 5727 dated January 19, 2008. The law came into full effect in July 2009, making Turkey the third European country to implement a "smoke-free airspace." Over the course of the process, smoking in vehicles was banned in 2013, a plain and standard packaging system for tobacco products was introduced in 2019, and as of 2020, only the sale of these packages began.