Cent Eur J Public Health 2013, 21(2):98-103 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a3836

The Challenges of Tobacco Control in Romania - Policy Review

Patricia R. Loubeau
Hagan School of Business, Iona College, New Rochelle, New York, USA

This article investigates elements of tobacco control issues in Romania. Using European Union requirements for tobacco control legislation as a backdrop, it examines the key issues of smuggling, taxation, and unemployment in a transitional economy. Romania has made some progress by adding text and pictorial warnings to cigarette packages and offering comprehensive help to quit smoking. Using empirical examples, it is argued that more progress in tobacco control is needed in the area of increased taxation, enforcement of non-smoking bans, and new legislation requiring advertising bans at point of sale, kiosks, and billboards. This article draws wider public attention to the problems that smuggling and taxation present for tobacco control, helps identify other countries confronting similar issues, and stimulates effective interventions.

Keywords: smoking, tobacco control, Romania, public health, economics

Received: September 9, 2012; Revised: March 14, 2013; Accepted: March 14, 2013; Published: June 1, 2013  Show citation

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Loubeau PR. The Challenges of Tobacco Control in Romania - Policy Review. Cent Eur J Public Health. 2013;21(2):98-103. doi: 10.21101/cejph.a3836. PubMed PMID: 24053066.
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