The government of Belize is moving forward with a new Tobacco Control Bill aimed at tightening restrictions on the consumption and sale of tobacco products across the country.
During this week’s Cabinet meeting, approval was given for the Ministry of Health and Wellness to present the Bill to the House of Representatives. The proposed legislation seeks to regulate the sale, packaging, marketing, and use of both traditional and novel tobacco products, while also imposing restrictions on smoking in public spaces.
At the end of last month, the Ministry partnered with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to study regional policies and practices surrounding tobacco control. Dr. Andrei Chell, Director of Policy, Planning and Research at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, said banning indoor smoking is a key step toward addressing the country’s growing health challenges.
“We are partnering with PAHO, WHO, to really learn of best practices that countries in the region have been taking in terms of tobacco control. We know that non-communicable diseases are the leading causes of death in Belize and in countries of the region. Tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke is one of the main causes of this crisis,” Dr. Chell said. “Belize ratified the framework convention for tobacco control in 2005. This really sets the policies in place that we as a country need to implement as we move forward with the whole idea of creating a smoke-free environment.”
The government says the Tobacco Bill is comprehensive and will include measures to regulate packaging and labelling, curb advertising and promotion, protect youth and vulnerable populations, and ensure accountability of the tobacco industry.
