North Macedonia smoking ban law stalled by amendments

The implementation of a new tobacco protection law in North Macedonia has stalled in parliament following the submission of eight amendments. A primary point of contention is a proposal to allow designated “smoking rooms” within hospitality venues, private companies, and public institutions.

Health Minister Sasho Klekovski has expressed strong opposition to these amendments, stating that such rooms could allow for the circumvention of the law’s core purpose: prohibiting smoking in enclosed spaces. Klekovski noted that while smoking rooms exist in other countries, they require advanced technical solutions involving negative pressure that are difficult to implement in standard restaurants or offices.

The original draft of the law, which was approved by the government in June, aims to reduce exposure to tobacco smoke and protect children by regulating nicotine products and banning advertising. The current legislative process is awaiting additional expert opinions and feedback from the business community and tobacco producers before proceeding to a final decision.