As of: January 26, 2024, 10:28 a.m
By: Andreas Schmid
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Cigarettes in a kiosk.
Will a pack soon cost more?
© Daniel Bockwoldt/picture alliance
Burkhard Blienert wants a non-smoking society in Germany - but does not currently see this goal as achievable.
In the interview he explains which stricter rules are needed.
Berlin – Tobacco is considered the biggest addictive factor in Germany.
Almost one in five people aged 15 and over smokes.
4.4 million adults are addicted to tobacco.
This is by far the largest group in the current federal government report.
The Federal Commissioner for Addiction and Drugs, Burkhard Blienert, actually aims for a “non-smoking society” - but sees this goal at risk for Germany.
Drug Commissioner Blienert: Cigarettes should become more expensive
The non-smoking society is an international goal.
By 2030, fewer than 13 percent of adults and less than three percent of young people are expected to smoke.
“I don’t see that Germany can achieve that at the moment,” says Blienert in an interview with IPPEN.MEDIA.
“We are lagging behind even when it comes to the simplest measures, such as the strict regulation of advertising and sponsorship or the unpleasant question of further increases in the price of nicotine products.”
“The price is an adequate means of discouraging children and young people in particular, but also of reducing the overall smoking rate among adults,” says Blienert.
“Higher prices are a deterrent.” What prices are involved then?
“We are currently roughly at a pack of 20 cigarettes for 8 euros, other countries are already at 12 euros or more.”
Burkhard Blienert is the federal government's addiction and drug commissioner.
The biggest addictive factor in Germany is smoking.
That's why the SPD man advocates stricter rules.
© picture alliance/dpa |
Andreas Arnold
Blienert: Smoking ban in outdoor restaurants and in the car
In addition to the price issue, there are other ways to reduce smoking in the population.
“The modular system is diverse,” says Blienert.
Specifically, he can imagine stricter rules for public consumption: “From a health perspective, smoking in outdoor catering areas should no longer be permitted.” Since 2008, smoking has not been allowed in restaurants; exceptions apply in outdoor areas.
The German Hotel and Restaurant Association (Dehoga) firmly rejects these proposals.
“I don’t understand it at all,” says Thomas Geppert, regional manager of Dehoga Bayern, in an interview with our editorial team.
“There is no need for non-smoking protection outdoors, we know that from the aerosol debate during the pandemic.”
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The restaurant association's criticism is reminiscent of 2007, when the federal government passed the Non-Smoking Protection Act.
Angry landlords saw their existence at risk.
Blienert sees further measures: “I am also in favor of stopping smoking in the car when children and young people under 18 or pregnant women are traveling.”
Burkhard Blienert in an interview with IPPEN.MEDIA in his office.
© Yvonne Reissig
Blienert also advocates for stricter rules due to the protection of minors.
Since 2020, the smoking rate among young people has almost doubled, as shown by the current Debra study, the German survey on smoking behavior.
The drug commissioner sees one of the reasons for this in the pandemic.
“Before Corona, we reached children and young people through our prevention measures.
During the Corona period, this direct approach did not exist.” There is also a trend among young people towards e-cigarettes.
In social media in particular, consumption is touted as a less harmful alternative to smoking cigarettes.
Blienert says: “To generally say that the e-cigarette is the more harmless option is not enough, especially when it comes to children and young people.” Blienert also advocates for stricter rules when it comes to alcohol.
Accompanied drinking must be abolished.
The general age question should be raised to 18 - even with cannabis, where young people smoke weed as young as 12 or 13.