ŠERANIĆ: LAW ON PROTECTION FROM TOBACCO PRODUCTS ADDRESSES LIMITING CERTAIN BEHAVIOUR

BANJA LUKA, December 23 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska Minister of Health and Social Welfare Alen Šeranić said that the Draft Law on the Protection of Public Health from Tobacco Products does not prohibit anyone`s rights, but rather addresses limiting certain behaviour.

In his closing remarks at the Republika Srpska National Assembly, Šeranić said that the proposed legal solution is already in force across Europe and worldwide. He pointed out that the Ministry of Health conducted public opinion research in which citizens were asked whether they support a ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces. "Such a ban was supported by 72.1 per cent of respondents, including both smokers and non-smokers," Šeranić said. He stressed that many factors affect air quality, including temperature changes and traffic, which is why, as he noted, certain measures must be adopted. According to him, the proposed law has a clear concept, and he believes it will remain so. "When it comes to this issue, there is support from both the public and the professional community, and I hope for the support of the National Assembly, all with the aim of protecting public health," Šeranić said. He noted that the drafting of the law took a year, and that activities to promote the measures are forthcoming. "After the law enters into force, by-laws will be adopted, and only then will inspection oversight begin," Šeranić explained. The Republika Srpska National Assembly considered the Draft Law on the Protection of Public Health from Tobacco Products.