Latvia, Legislation, Markets and Companies

Starting from spring 2010, complete smoking ban will be introduced in all indoor public catering places in Latvia; in outdoor cafes it will only be allowed to smoke in specially designated areas. Also in casinos and gambling halls the smoking will only be permitted in separate rooms or areas, designated for smoking. These restrictions are stated in the amendments to the law on sales, advertising and use of tobacco products.

As of 2010, it will be forbidden to smoke in all means of public transport and taxis, except for long-haul trains and cruise ships, on which it will be permitted to have separate coaches or cabins for smokers.

Advertising of tobacco products will only be allowed in special publications, meant for the use of tobacco merchants – for selling tobacco products, as well as in magazines and newspapers, published outside European Union member countries and not meant for the European Union market.

Starting from September 1 this year, tobacco products packaging will have to display color images and messages with health warnings about the potential damage that use of tobacco can cause to the health. The transition period is set until March 2010, in this time also packaging without the color images, only containing written warnings, is allowed to be used.