In the municipality of Chisinau, only 4% of the over 330 kiosks or small shops that sell tobacco products are situated legally, at a distance of at least 200 meters from an education institution or a health facility, as the law on tobacco control that took effect on January 1, 2019 provides. The findings were presented by a group of civic activists.
In a news conference at IPN, civic activist Ion Andronache said the legal limit of at least 200 meters in Chisinau can be respected only in the case of kiosks located in industrial zones. In the other areas of the city, the tobacco products should be eliminated from all kiosks as there is by a medical or an education institution near almost all these.
Civic activist Rodion Gavriloi said that despite the new legal provisions, kiosks selling tobacco products continue to be located in banned places in Chisinau. Kiosks situated near schools, kindergartens or medical institutions were also identified in Cahul town (17 kiosks), Hâncești (10), Strășeni (4) and Ialoveni (3).
Rodion Gavriloi noted the identified irregularities were reported to a series of responsible institutions. A number of 56 complaints were submitted to the National Public Health Agency alone, alongside those filed to the Chisinau City Hall and police inspectorates.
According to the civic activist, such a problem can be solved only if the responsible institutions really want to cooperate. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection is responsible for the implementation of the new provisions. A month ago, the activists asked for an audience at the Ministry, but received no answer so far. The administration of a number of police inspectorates refused to meet with the civic activists, arguing this problem is within the remit of the local authorities.
The fine for such a violation is 450-600 lei. The business entity must withdraw the tobacco products from sale within 15 days or a new fine is imposed on this, of 6,000-12,000 lei this time. The civic activists consider the problem will be solved when the companies that break the law are fined regularly as the fines would discourage them from selling cigarettes in banned places.
