The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health announced the adoption of a comprehensive tobacco control law in August, which is not only a milestone for the country, but also has the potential to impact similar legislation in other countries in the Middle East region.

The legislation has come after years of planning with technical support from The Union Middle East office under the Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use. A partial law, which has been in place since 1996, had not been enforced, largely due to the tobacco industry’s interference, according to the Ministry of Public Health, who have vowed that this time around they will not allow that to happen. 

The proposed law will make Lebanon 100% smokefree. It will comprehensively ban all forms of tobacco product advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS); and, will establish graphic health warnings over 40% of both sides of packs. The legislation will also enhance inter-ministerial responsibilities among the ministries of Public Health, Economy and Interior to plan, enforce and monitor compliance under their various jurisdictions. This will be carried out with the help of municipalities and civil society organisations to ensure effective implementation.    

The law is considered important for a country that has traditionally permitted all forms of TAPS including point-of-sale (POS).  The health warnings that are currently in place are in small print on the side of cigarette packs. Shisha culture is also very popular in Lebanon among men and women, as are high-end cigar lounges.

To ensure the sustainability of the law, The Union Middle East office will continue to support the National Tobacco Control Program at the Ministry of Public Health and its partners as they plan for effective enforcement and rigorous monitoring.