Monaco has recently enacted comprehensive anti-tobacco legislation aimed at safeguarding public health, particularly focusing on youth protection and environmental concerns. The National Council unanimously passed Bill No. 1104 on May 15, 2025, introducing significant reforms to the Principality’s tobacco regulations.
Key Provisions of the New Legislation
• Ban on Disposable Electronic Cigarettes: The law prohibits the sale and consumption of single-use electronic vaping devices, commonly known as “puffs.” These products have been identified as particularly appealing to minors due to their flavours and marketing strategies. Additionally, their environmental impact, stemming from plastic waste and battery disposal, was a significant factor in the ban.
• Raising the Legal Smoking Age: The minimum age for purchasing tobacco products has been increased from 16 to 18 years, aligning Monaco with international standards and reinforcing efforts to prevent early nicotine addiction among youth.
• Expansion of Smoke-Free Zones: The legislation extends the number of public spaces where smoking is prohibited, aiming to reduce passive smoking exposure and promote healthier communal environments. There are smoking bans on several of Monaco’s beaches, typically from late May to the end of September.
• Regulation of Emerging Tobacco Products: The new law updates existing regulations to encompass modern tobacco-related products and electronic devices, ensuring that legislation keeps pace with technological advancements in the tobacco industry.
Government and Public Health Perspectives
Christophe Robino, Minister of Social Affairs and Health, hailed the reform as a significant milestone in Monaco’s public health strategy. He emphasized that the legislation focuses on protecting young people, combating passive smoking, and addressing environmental concerns associated with disposable vaping products.
The unanimous support for the bill reflects a collective commitment from Monaco’s institutions to address the evolving challenges posed by tobacco consumption and its associated products.
Additional Points from the Official Government Source:
1. Focus on Environmental Responsibility:
The law isn’t only framed as a health issue but also a strong environmental policy. The government emphasizes the ecological damage caused by single-use vapes, which are described as “non-recyclable and hazardous to biodiversity.”
2. Inclusive Consultation Process:
The government highlights that this legislative reform was co-constructed with civil society, including health professionals, educators, parents’ associations, and environmental groups—a detail that shows broad stakeholder engagement.
3. Education & Prevention Campaigns:
Beyond the legal prohibitions, Monaco is committing to strengthening education and prevention efforts, particularly in schools. This includes raising awareness about the harms of smoking and vaping through targeted public health campaigns.
This legislative action positions Monaco at the forefront of tobacco control efforts, demonstrating a proactive approach to public health and environmental stewardship.
