Tightening Tobacco control legislation in Malta : a national health promotion initiative on smoking

Abstract

Introduction: In Malta, individual smokers, doctors and the adult general public are recognising the ill effects of smoking, and are seeking to do stng adults and, more importantly, to trigger off a similar reduction among adolescents, with a consequent protection against disease and death. Method: Local initiatives against smoking were compared to the WHO - World Health Organisation's Ten-Point Programme for Successful To- bacco Control, to a WHO model law for comprehensive tobacco control, and to European Union directives and resolutions. Results: While procedures involving health education , smoking cessation, prof- essionals' smoke-free example, and fiscal policies are all being implemented, Maltese tobacco control laws and regulations are still deficient. Conclusion: A health prom- otion strategy of tightening tobacco control legislation needs to be introduced in Malta forthwith . This includes strict enforcement, more severe penalties, banning of sales to adolescents and in places frequented by them , the prohibition of smoking in enclosed public places, a total ban on advertising and sponsorship, and the introduction of maximum tar-yield levels and conspicuous and effective health warnings on all tobacco products. An overall priority is the setting- up of a coordinating tobacco control authority to effectively manage all efforts to stem the tobacco epidemic.