Skopje, 30 May 2026 (MIA) - The draft Law on Protection Against Smoking is expected to be reviewed at a government session on Tuesday, after which it is anticipated to be passed by Parliament as soon as possible.

As Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said Saturday at the final meeting with representatives of the tobacco industry and the hospitality sector, the law will enter into force immediately, except for the provision requiring hospitality businesses to adapt and repurpose their premises. A 12-month grace period is foreseen for this provision.

Mickoski said the draft law represents a compromise reached through an inclusive process, involving consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including associations, producers, distributors, hospitality operators and owners of restaurants and nightclubs.

Business sector representatives confirmed that the law was developed through a partnership-based approach, also thanking the government for granting a one-year transition period to adjust and redesign terraces in their premises.

As highlighted during the meeting, the law eliminates ambiguity regarding terraces by setting clear and enforceable standards for their adaptation in relation to smoking. It also provides for strict and rigorous inspections in cases of non-compliance.

“From the very beginning, we expressed our support for the adoption of the smoking ban law in its ultimate goal, which is the protection of public health. I want to express gratitude to the Prime Minister and the government, as well as to the Health Minister, for their inclusive and partnership-based approach in drafting the law, as well as for the phased implementation, namely the one-year grace period, during which the hospitality sector will have the opportunity to adapt terraces in line with the new legal solutions, in order to minimize economic consequences for the sector,” said Perica Golomeikj from the Tourism and Hospitality Chamber within the Macedonian Chambers of Commerce.

According to Vasko Ristovski from Group for the Manufacture of Cigarettes within the Economic Chamber, the business sector appreciates that some of the submitted remarks, positions and recommendations of the business community were taken into account during the preparation of the law.

“We strongly support efforts to strengthen the protection of minors, including limiting their access to, sale of, and use of tobacco and related products, a principle we also apply daily in our own operations through concrete mechanisms and programs. At the same time, we support the adoption of balanced regulatory solutions that ensure sustainability, recognisability and differentiation between various traditional and new tobacco products, taking into account all their specific characteristics. The regulation of new products should remain in the focus of future legislation and our continued cooperation, where we offer full expertise as multinational companies with global experience,” Ristovski said.

He added that in discussions with the government, it was pointed out that excessive regulation could lead to an increase in illicit trade, and that in this context positive experiences from some EU member states should also be taken into consideration.

“We maintain the position that there are still many areas where constructive dialogue among all stakeholders can and should continue, in order to properly address open issues within the regulatory framework and find solutions that ensure an appropriate balance between public health priorities, economic sustainability and alignment with modern European practices,” Ristovski said.

Mickoski and Health Minister Azir Aliu told industry representatives they expect full compliance with the law once it enters into force, underlining that no one will be treated as privileged.

“If someone thinks they will not be caught because of connections, they are mistaken. You might get away once, or even twice, but the third time you will certainly be caught and penalized,” Prime Minister Mickoski said.

“The law also establishes functional oversight. Instead of several bodies with unclear division of competences, the new text foresees 14 supervisory authorities with clearly defined responsibilities. This is important because the law must not only be well written, but also enforceable on the ground,” Aliu said.

Photo: Ministry of Health and screenshot