The Knesset voted in first reading a mixed bill to ban advertisements for cigarettes and tobacco, with the exception of the print media, in an effort to combat smoking in Israel.
FIGHT AGAINST THE FIRST CAUSE OF MORTALITY IN THE COUNTRY
The text, presented by the MP Likud Yehuda Glick and the deputy of the Zionist Union Eitan Cabel, was adopted on first reading by 49 for, 4 against, and 2 abstentions.
The ban on advertising extends to cigarettes, cigars, narghile products and papers used to roll cigarettes. The project also prohibits advertising for herbal substances used for smoking, as well as for electronic cigarettes and all related products.
The mixed bill, which has yet to pass three further readings to be finally adopted, provides exceptions for advertisements in stores selling products, for advertisements in print media, and for visuals used for artistic or artistic purposes. 'information.
« This law is a matter of life and death, nothing less Cabel said on Wednesday. " We are targeting younger generations who are not aware of the risks. »
« Smoking is the leading cause of death in Israel, and thousands die every year Said Glick. " This is a first step, and I hope many more will follow to end the tobacco epidemic. Tobacco companies will lose, but the public will benefit. »
Yesh Atid MP, Yael German, former Minister of Health, said that lawmakers have not gone far enough.
« This law is a capitulation to the written press ”, she declared. “It is unacceptable for those fighting against smoking to exclude print advertisements from the law. These [announcements] reach everyone. It is a capitulation to media lobbyists and this shameful clause must be removed. »
A separate bill from the deputy of the Zionist Union Eyal Ben-ReuvenCalling for an illustration of the dangers of smoking on product labels, with a written warning, was also passed in first reading Wednesday with 60 MPs for no opposition.
The government coalition agreed to support a ban on tobacco advertising in exchange for Glick's support for the bill to close local shops on Shabbat. This bill was just passed on Tuesday, with the support of the member for Likud.
Smoking is one of the leading causes of death in Israel; almost half of smokers die from it. According to the Ministry of Health, around 8 Israelis die each year from smoking-related reasons, including 000 non-smokers exposed to passive smoke inhalation.
Source : Timesofisrael.com/
