17.05.11

The German government has published its official Drugs and Addictions Report 2011. The report highlights that regular alcohol, nicotine and cannabis consumption have been declining, which is proof that targeted prevention measures are effective.

The decline in smoking is due to changes in smoking laws i.a. 13% of 12 to 17-year-olds smoke, whereas this figure was 23% in 2001. 68% now state that they have never smoked compared to 41% in 2001.

The press release and full report are available for download below.

In Austria and other countries in central Europe smoking and advertising for smoking is still allowed at point of sale. Recently innkeepers declared their premises to be a tobacco shop (simultaneously) in order to circumvent nonsmokers protection laws (http://kurier.at/nachrichten/niederoesterreich/2021984.php). Point of sales where smoking or tobacco advertising is permitted, should be closed for minors. Tobacconists should have to decide whether selling tobacco or goods for the general public including children.

With development funding from SmokeFree Liverpool, this action aims to build a network of European partners who work together to address priority tobacco control issues.