Although the Fondation Cancer welcomes the latest restrictions in Luxembourg’s anti-tobacco law, the charity wishes the government had done more, calling for an increase in the country’s tobacco prices. The Cancer Foundation also expressed concern at the lack of regulation for electronic cigarettes, or vapes.
The new smoking regulations came into force at the start of the year and target nicotine pouches in particular. The Fondation Cancer would like the so-called snus to be banned entirely in Luxembourg, as is the case for other countries such as Belgium and France. This would be the only way to ensure their disappearance, charity director Margot Heirendt told RTL Radio on Friday morning. However, an important step has been taken towards cancer prevention. Due to the limited nicotine content which was recently prescribed, there is no sense in developing more of these products. But the nicotine pouches are particularly popular among young people and are very addictive.
This week, the Fondation Cancer published an infographic to explain Luxembourgish regulations at a glance. Heirendt said it wasn’t easy to put everything together, as the legislation had become much too complex. But it is nonetheless important for the public to understand the law.
As part of the “Generation without tobacco” initiative, the Grand Duchy has pledged to reduce the proportion of smokers from 23% today to 5% by 2040. In response to surveys distributed by the Fondation Cancer, an overwhelming number of people called for smoking to be banned in more public places, such as bus stops or pub terraces. The study also showed that even smokers were partially in favour of stricter legislation, Heirendt commented.
The Fondation Cancer says one of its key concerns is the relatively low price of tobacco in the Grand Duchy. Cigarettes and other products are far cheaper, despite small excise duty increases, than in neighbouring countries. In some cases they are even half the price in comparison to prices abroad. The Ministry of Finance is not inclined to give up the revenue from tobacco sales, which can reach 1.5 billion euros annually.
In Heirendt’s mind, however, Luxembourg could not continue to charge €5.80 for a pack of cigarettes. International studies show that many young people do not even start smoking, while other smokers are considering giving it up. Other revenue could be sought to replace the tobacco funds, such as sugar taxes, or taxes on highly processed food items. The EU Commission is currently working on proposals for such a tax.
According to Heirendt, it is important to raise awareness of a healthy lifestyle from a young age, thus reducing the cancer risk. Prevention should be introduced in schools and could become a permanent element in the school curriculum, she explained. This component could also be included in the reforms for school medicine.
Heirendt expressed understanding for the winegrowers who have criticised the government’s support for the “Dry January” initiative this year, which urges people to give up alcohol for a month. But the Fondation Cancer believes it important to raise awareness that alcohol can also cause cancer, for example, breast cancer in women. If someone wants to reduce the risk of cancer, they must give up alcohol entirely. But participation in “Dry January” is voluntary and can be done by anyone, for any reason.
