The current Belgian government is attacking the tobacco trade and smokers with consecutive prohibitions applied to different practicalities emerging in stages over time inspired by the EU which is based in Brussels within the same country and its own policies and policy guidelines.
At the time of writing Belgium is enforcing a tobacco display ban in shops and outlets selling tobacco which should be narrower than 400 m^2 (square metres) to be eligible to conduct its sale to consumers. This entails that most super markets will stop selling tobacco according to their total area measurement, and it would be those that could serve the consumer with lower prices contrary to the effect of government taxation which raises the price of tobacco in Belgium while disregarding consumers and their rights. That price is as much as tobacco would cost in the UK and the Netherlands as well as in France, New York, under the guise of Michael Bloomberg when New York Mayor, and other locations.
Previously in January, Belgium banned the sale and corresponding purchase of disposable vaporisers, while currently planning to ban smoking in outdoor properties of entertainment venues while debating the corresponding legislation in parliament.
“Our ambition is to have a smoke-free generation by 2040. As of today, it is illegal to have visible cigarettes or e-cigarettes on store shelves. It is not a sales ban, but you now have to ask the employee for the product.” said Belgian health secretary Frank Vandenbroecke introducing this perceived “innovation” to citizens and consumers.
“It’s annoying because they didn’t provide us with anything. They should have at least given us the necessary equipment.” says tobacco shop owner Jenny Van Vaerenbergh as shopkeepers are forced to acquire covers for their shelves which they do not presently have.
“The habit of addiction doesn’t change just because the product is not visible. The problem is deeper.” said a female student who currently smokes while another woman who also smokes said that “It’s a good measure. I wouldn’t want my child to start smoking. It’s very hard to quit.”.
Bring Back Smoking Freedom 