The Health Care and Social Issues Committee discussed the legal initiative of MPs Archil Gorduladze and Irakli Kirtskhalia – the Draft Law on Tobacco Control and the companion bills on the I reading.

The amendments concern the subjection of local tobacco production to licensing and the imposition of penalties for violating the licensing terms.

As one of the initiators, A. Gorduladze elucidated, the Draft stipulates a term - tobacco production, subjects it to licensing and, under the normative act of the Government, establishes the terms and conditions of licensed tobacco production.

“Back during the 9th Term of the Parliament, our Committee initiated the Law on tobacco use regulations and control, which stands as an imperative achievement of the government. Thus, we enacted respective regulations on smoking prohibition in certain areas. Now, it is further necessary to establish control on tobacco production. At that, let me stress that it implies the improvement of tobacco quality, and nowise tobacco promotion. I would like to once again attach the attention of our society to the hazardous nature of tobacco and we, in no manner, intend to advertise tobacco products. By the initiated Draft, we strive to ensure maximal control on tobacco quality to provide the population with the production meeting international requirements”, - the Chair of the Committee, Zaza Lominadze noted.

The Draft is submitted for expedited consideration.

The Committee approved the legal package on the I reading.