Anti-tobacco law: Over 6,000 fines issued in 2022
More than 6,000 citizens were fined last year for violating the anti-tobacco law, according to representatives of the Inspectorate General of Police. Most contraventions had been recorded in Chisinau Municipality. Despite the fines, some citizens still continue to violate the law, claiming that there were no such bans in the past.
In 2022, law enforcement officers drew up 37 reports on the sale of tobacco products to minors with 11 more contraventions compared to 2021, IGP press officer Diana Fetco told Radio Moldova. "Thus, pecuniary fines in the total amount of 88,850 lei were imposed. According to Article 91, paragraph 17 of the Contravention Code, smoking in closed and semi-closed public places, 2486 fines were applied," Diana Fetco said.
Most of the contraventions - 4,079, were applied to people who smoked in public and private means of transport, especially where minors were present, but also in open public spaces during public events.
Despite thousands of people being fined for smoking in public places, some citizens continue to break the law.
However, others say they avoid smoking in public places to avoid disturbing others.
The majority of citizens interviewed are against smoking in public places, saying that it endangers the health of others, including children, and that the authorities should take action.
The National Agency for Public Health says smoking causes nearly a thousand deaths a year.
