Luxembourg scores a negative ranking in the most recent tobacco control scale by the European cancer foundation. In a list of 36 participating countries, Luxembourg scores 34th, followed by Switzerland and Germany.
According to experts, Great Britain has shown the most efforts in the fight against tobacco consumption. The report explains that Luxembourg's poor ranking is largely due to the fact it's one of the richest countries, yet has relatively low taxes on tobacco products in place, in order to attract people from neighbouring countries.
As a result, Luxembourg also has the lowest score in terms of price.
The association does comment positively on the Grand Duchy's effort in banning smoking in cars in the presence of minors, as well as fighting illegal trade. There is, however, room for improvement, especially in terms of advertising.
Since 2006, the European tobacco control scale has been based on the same six measures the individual countries take in fighting tobacco consumption, notably taxes, smoking bans, awareness campaigns, advertising bans, warnings on cigarette packets and support for those who wish to stop smoking.
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