Vietnamese health ministry proposes ban on smoking in indoor spaces

The proposal is part of a draft amendment to the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms, which has been in effect for more than a decade.

The revised draft is aimed at strengthening protections for public health against the risks posed by tobacco use.

Under the draft, regulations on smoking in public places would be significantly tightened.

The number of locations where smoking is completely prohibited would be expanded, while spaces permitted to set up designated smoking areas would be gradually reduced.

Under the prevailing regulations, smoking is entirely banned both indoors and within campus grounds at healthcare facilities; most educational institutions, excluding colleges, universities, and academies; care and recreational facilities for children; and locations with a high risk of fire or explosion.

Other sites, such as workplaces and higher education institutions, are only subject to indoor smoking bans, with outdoor areas not fully restricted.

The ministry proposes extending a smoking prohibition to all educational institutions, including colleges, universities, and academies.

Notably, the draft also calls for a complete ban on smoking in all indoor locations, with exceptions only for premises designated for smoking in accordance with specific regulations.

Currently, a total indoor smoking proscription applies to workplaces, higher education institutions, public places, and public transport.

The revised draft would broaden this scope to the maximum extent, with the goal of creating smoke-free indoor environments nationwide.

Strict standards for designated smoking areas

Alongside the expanded forbiddance, the ministry proposed allowing designated indoor smoking areas only in a limited number of special locations.

These include isolated zones at international airport terminals; bars, karaoke parlors, nightclubs, hotels, and lodging facilities that are not classified as high fire-risk areas; and on ships and trains.

Any such smoking areas would be required to have separate rooms with independent ventilation systems, ash receptacles, clear signage, and full fire prevention and firefighting equipment.

The ministry would be tasked with issuing detailed technical standards for these areas to ensure consistent and effective implementation.

The draft also broadens the legal framework for smoking cessation.

For the first time, it would add the cessation of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products to regulations on counseling, treatment, healthcare workforce training, and policies supporting the production of smoking cessation medications.

However, some stakeholders have urged the drafting agency to carefully assess the feasibility of the proposed measures.

Crackdown on next-generation tobacco products

Over the past few years, multiple cases of poisoning linked to electronic cigarette use have been reported, primarily among students, including schoolgirls.

In response, the ministry has put forward a ban on next-generation tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and other new forms of tobacco.

According to the drafting body, the prohibition would extend beyond commercial activities to cover possession, transportation, transit, use, advertising, and promotion.

The draft law also expands its regulatory scope by clarifying the definition of ‘other new tobacco products,’ encompassing nicotine-containing products in various forms such as nicotine pouches, inhalable products, shisha, and similar items.