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On Thursday, the Seimas approved amendments to the Law on the Control of Tobacco, Tobacco Products and Related Products, which were supported by the Minister of Health Aurelijus Veryga and 13 other members of the Seimas.
This proposal was supported by 69 votes to 4 and 7 abstentions.
Name the arguments
Speaking in favor of this proposal, Antanas Vinkus stated that benevolent requests from the population sometimes no longer work.
“The requests of the population to help families who can no longer use their property due to the constant smell of tobacco from their neighbors are constantly increasing, because the benevolent requests do not work,” said A. Vinkus. And he assured that the right of one man cannot torture others.
Liberal Gintaras Vaičekauskas wondered who would control smokers.
“I’m still not sure who will punish them? What, the police don’t have a job? Who will answer why you cannot agree with the beautiful. Why should the last session of the Seimas be devoted to another ban in a free country? ”, Asked the parliamentarian.
Andrius Mazuronis, representative of the mixed group of Seimas members, said that he understood that this would be a very difficult legal norm to implement.
“But it has yet to become law,” said a member of the Seimas.
Smoking on the balcony
Tomas Tomilinas, representative of LVŽS, recalled that this is the third period of the Seimas that is trying to pass a law of this type.
“There was no brutal resistance, we heard the argument that human rights end where the right of another person to clean air on their property begins to be violated,” said the farmer.
In Latvia, according to the MP, there is a strict ban and a small fine. But in Lithuania the order will be different.
“And here there will be a conflict resolution algorithm, both the municipality and the police will be involved,” explained Tomilin, emphasizing that there will be an information process, not an automatic fine.
Health Minister Aurelius Veryga also said he supports the proposal. Reminded of the damages and illnesses caused by passive smoking.
“The goal is not to create some kind of atmosphere of universal observation and complaint. But to give the right and opportunity to people who want to protect their family and children,” said the minister.
Klaus Neighbors
If the neighbors do not object, smokers should ensure that the smoke does not enter the premises of other residents of the house. The signage of the smoking ban on the balconies would be the responsibility of the building administrator, the community or the municipality.
The amendments propose, among other things, a ban on smoking during outdoor sports competitions or other events, covered public transport stops, playgrounds and places where catering is provided for customers outdoors: outdoor tables, gazebos, other facilities. This ban would not apply to smoking areas.
Since 2014, the Seimas has repeatedly rejected proposals to ban smoking on balconies. Opponents of the amendments argue that the ban would not be feasible.
The prime minister promised to support
Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis intends to vote in favor of a ban on smoking on balconies on Thursday.
“I will vote if I vote, if I am in the House, really in favor. It is a great discomfort for everyone who lives in apartment buildings: you cannot open the window, you cannot be proud of your clothes when you are not smoking and you are forced to breathe smoke, “the prime minister told reporters at the Seimas before the vote.
However, he is convinced that conditions must also be created for smokers.
“You need to create alternatives for those people who still have this damaging interest in order to do it in a civilized way,” Skvernell said.
Karbauskis: Smoking is a pleasure that must be reconciled with neighbors who do not smoke
Ramūnas Karbauskis, the largest of the Lithuanian Green and Peasant Union (LVŽS) faction in the Seimas, waited before the session for the Seimas to adopt amendments to the law establishing a ban on smoking on the balconies of buildings in apartments when at least one resident objects to smoking.
“Whether a person is in a position or an opposition, everyone probably understands what it means to their neighbors. In fact, smoking is a pleasure that must be reconciled with the people who live around and who do not smoke, ”R. Karbauskis told reporters at Seimas.
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