E-cigarettes face public area ban

Authorities are set to implement a ban on the use of electronic cigarettes in enclosed public areas as part of a pledge last week by Health Minister Andreas Xanthos to strictly enforce smoking laws that have largely been flouted.

The ban on electronic cigarettes is included in a draft law that aims to implement an EU directive issued in 2014 regarding tobacco products.

Xanthos has already announced a national anti-smoking campaign, urging other ministries to join the effort to ensure that the law is implemented with the imposition of strict fines.

According to the draft, cigarette packets will carry graphic visual warnings of the damage caused by smoking.