Cigarettes will disappear from Dutch supermarkets in three years

As of 2024, Dutch supermarkets will no longer be allowed to sell tobacco products. Online sales will be restricted one year earlier.

Prevention agreement

Paul Blokhuis, State Secretary for Public Health of the Netherlands, introduced the new measure. In 2023 there will be an online sales ban on all tobacco products that fall under the Dutch tobacco law, writes NRC, a national newspaper. This ban, not only, includes cigarettes but also cigars, pipe tobacco and e-cigarettes. One year later, from 2024 onwards, supermarkets will no longer be allowed to sell these products. And from 2030 those products will only be available in speciality shops. Until then, smokers will still be able to go to newsagents and petrol stations.

At the end of 2018, Blokhuis reached an agreement with various social organisations regarding health prevention. This included a whole range of measures tackling smoking, obesity and alcohol abuse. The new legislative amendment is part of the prevention agreement.

In recent months, the Dutch government has already taken other measures to discourage smoking. For example, cigarettes will become considerably more expensive. In three years’ time a packet will cost ten euros, writes NOS, the Dutch public service broadcaster. Also, last month, the packaging was given a new, more sober appearance. Furthermore, since July, supermarkets have been no longer allowed to display smoking products visibly on their shelves.