Skopje, 22 January 2026 (MIA) — By banning tobacco advertising and promotion, the government is putting public health before commercial interest, the Ministry of Health said in a press release Thursday.

According to the release, the new draft Law on Protection Against Smoking provides a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship by the tobacco industry. 

Once in force, the bill will ban direct advertising of tobacco products — via traditional media (print, radio, television) and billboards as well as on the internet, including via social networks — and indirect advertising, such as through product placement in films or on TV. It will also ban the tobacco industry from sponsoring events, individuals or organizations and from promoting its products through competitions, discounts, free samples and "corporate social responsibility" campaigns.

"The easy availability and visibility of these products increase the number of new users, especially among children and young people, so reducing visibility is one of the most effective prevention measures," Minister of Health Azir Aliu is quoted as saying in the release. 

"Protecting children is our absolute priority," he added. 

To curb smoking initiation, in addition to prohibiting the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products to minors, the law will make it illegal to display them in store. Selling these products in food service establishments, sports venues and cultural facilities and during public events will also be illegal.

"Advertising directly influences smoking initiation, especially among young people. These legal provisions prevent covert forms of promoting these products. Public health takes precedence over commercial interest," the health minister said. mr/