Expansion of Smoke-Free Policies: Stepping Up FCTC’s Game

Abstract

The Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC) is undoubtedly the most efficient international instrument for tobacco control. Article 8 FCTC shapes many smoke-free policies worldwide and in doing so it is usually associated with smoke-free regulation in enclosed public spaces. Our paper highlights that the FCTC contains a sound foundation for smoke-free policies that stretch beyond enclosed public places, such as open public spaces and (quasi-)private spaces. We demonstrate, in particular, that such wide smoke-free regulation, which is gaining momentum around the globe, is versatile and compatible with human rights standards. As such, these expanded smoke-free policies contribute to a wider culture of smoking denormalisation that scales up FCTC’s aspiration for tobacco control and subsequently to a smoke-free global society.

The Tobacco Endgame—A New Paradigm for Smoking Cessation in Cancer Clinics

“…An interesting conceptual switch has been proposed, from prohibition (with the “spectres” of restriction and loss of choice) towards abolition (representing freedom) as a way to counter the rhetoric of the tobacco industry [ 59 ]. Growing international trends that expand smoking bans into the home, driven by Article 8 of the FCTC (Protection from exposure to tobacco smoke [ 60 ]), contribute to the denormalization of smoking and to smoke-free goals [ 61 ].…”