Government Moves Ahead With New Tobacco Control Bill

The Briceno Administration is preparing to take a Bill to the House of Representatives that will see restrictions placed on the consumption of cigarettes, and other smoking activities.  In this week’s Cabinet meeting, the green light was given to have the Ministry of Health and Wellness introduce the Tobacco Bill in the National Assembly.  The Bill will seek to regulate the sale, packaging, marketing and use of tobacco across the country.  It was at the end of last month that the ministry teamed up with the PanAmerican Health Organization (PAHO) to look at the regional policies and practices regarding smoking.  According to Dr. Andrei Chell, Director of Policy, Planning and Research, says that banning indoor smoking will help to address various health issues in the country.

Dr. Andrei Chell, Director of Policy, Planning and Research, Ministry of Health and Wellness: “We are partnering with PAHO, WHO, to really learn of best practices that countries in the region have been taking in terms of tobacco control. We know that non-communicable diseases are the leading causes of death in Belize and in countries of the region. And tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoking is actually one of the  main causes of this crisis. So we are here to really discuss the way forward. Belize ratified the framework convention for tobacco control in 2005. So this really sets the policies in place that we as a country need to implement as we move forward with the whole idea of creating a smoke-free environment.”

According to the government, the Tobacco Bill is comprehensive and will regulate not only traditional tobacco products but also novel tobacco products. It will introduce strong regulatory measures across tobacco product packaging and labelling, advertising and promotion, protection of youth and vulnerable populations, smoking restrictions in public spaces, and accountability of the tobacco industry