Smoking in Luxembourg: regulations, prices, places
In this article, we review frequently asked questions about smoking in Luxembourg. What are the prices for tobacco here, where can you smoke, and where to buy e-cigarettes and other products in Luxembourg
As a traveler or resident in Luxembourg, understanding the regulations and nuances surrounding smoking is essential for a comfortable experience. From the laws governing smoking to the cost of tobacco products and designated smoking areas, in this article, you will find all the necessary information for smokers in the Grand Duchy.
Smoking laws and regulations in Luxembourg
Smoking in Luxembourg is regulated by two sets of laws – the law of 11 August 2006 and the law of 18 July 2013. According to them, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public places, including bars, restaurants, workplaces, and public transportation. Smoking is also prohibited in outdoor areas where children are present, such as playgrounds, schools, and sports fields.
The legal age for buying cigarettes and tobacco products in Luxembourg is 18. You will not be able to buy any tobacco products if you are under 18 years old.
Advertising for tobacco products is prohibited and the sale of tobacco products is highly limited. That includes a ban on selling single and flavoured cigarettes. Health warnings and graphic images depicting the harmful effects of smoking cover a significant portion of the packaging of tobacco products.
The use of electronic cigarettes, also known as vaping, is regulated by the same laws listed above. E-cigarettes are not allowed in indoor public spaces where smoking is prohibited.
Be good
Penalties for violating the smoking laws in Luxembourg can include fines of up to 250 euros.
Where and what is it allowed to smoke?
Generally speaking, you can smoke freely on the territory of private residences, unless there are specific rules or restrictions imposed by the property owner or building management. You are also allowed to smoke in designated smoking areas and outdoor areas, for example, streets, where children are not present.
If you want to smoke at the train station or bus stop, make sure to find a dedicated place. They are usually visible and marked with special signs. If there is no such place, make sure to move from people and do not drop the cigarette bun on the ground after you have smoked.
However, there are a lot of places where you are under no circumstances allowed to smoke in Luxembourg. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public places in Luxembourg.
Cannabis is decriminalised for recreational use in Luxembourg. This means that possession of small amounts of cannabis is not a criminal offense. Each household will be able to grow up to four bushes of the plant in their own home. It is also allowed to consume at home, but not in the presence of minors. Smoking on the street is not allowed.
Not in front of everyone!
It is still illegal to smoke cannabis in public places in Luxembourg. If you are caught smoking cannabis in a public place, you could be fined up to 500 euros.
The legal limit for personal possession of cannabis in Luxembourg is 3 grams. If you are caught with more than 3 grams of cannabis, there is the threat of criminal proceedings with up to six months in prison or a fine of 2500 euros.
You can find more information about the legalisation of cannabis in our dedicated news piece: Cannabis legalised in Luxembourg.
CBD stands for cannabidiol, a compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the same intoxicating effects as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another compound found in cannabis.
CBD is legal in Luxembourg as long as it does not contain more than 0.3% THC.
How government protects people and helps smokers?
The public is concerned about the smoking situation in the country. According to data provided by the Luxembourg Cancer Foundation, 28% of residents over the age of sixteen have smoked at least once in the past year, and 19% smoke daily.
Smoking is believed to be responsible for approximately 1000 deaths per year in Luxembourg. And yet there is no increase in prices of tobacco products, making them very accessible to the public.
Smoking is a major health hazard that can lead to many serious health problems, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and problems with the immune system.
The government of Luxembourg is taking various steps to deal with the smoking problem. These measures include
- Prohibiting smoking in all enclosed public places, including bars, restaurants, workplaces, and public transportation,
- Raising the legal smoking age to 18,
- Regulating advertising and selling of cigarettes and tobacco products,
- Funding smoking prevention programs and raising awareness.
All of EU
Luxembourg is not alone in this stance, the whole European Union considers smoking a major public health problem and has taken steps to discourage it. Over the years, the EU has addressed this issue and taken various measures.
Luckily, various organisations in Luxembourg are helping smokers to quit. Sometimes and under specific conditions, the social security system in Luxembourg may reimburse the cost of assistance needed to quit smoking. To obtain more information about this aid and the necessary application forms, consult your family doctor.
How to get compensated for quitting smoking?
Luxembourg Against Cancer Foundation
This is a non-profit organisation that was founded in 1988. The foundation's mission is to prevent cancer, help patients and their families, and support cancer research in the country.
Also, Foundation Cancer founded a social program Tobacco-Free Generation, which suggested measurements that can help decrease the number of smokers in Luxembourg with educational and preventive measures.
Where to buy cigarettes and tobacco products in Luxembourg
Generally speaking, there are a lot of places, where you can buy tobacco and cigarettes in the country. The popularity of smoking makes it almost inevitable to find these products wherever you go.
You can buy tobacco in
- Press kiosks,
- Special counters in chain supermarkets,
- Gas stations,
- Special tobacco shops.
How much do cigarettes cost in Luxembourg?
The Grand Duchy has the cheapest cigarette prices in Europe. Ordinary packages with 20 cigarettes cost about 5-8 euros. For example, the price of a pack of Marlboro is around 8 euros, Camel – is 6 euros and Winston is around 7 euros. Maxi-packages with 30-40 cigarettes cost about 11 euros. And tobacco buckets and tints with tobacco cost about 60-80 euros.
Vaping and vape shops in Luxembourg
Smoking and vaping are both ways to consume nicotine, but they have different effects on the human body. Smoking involves burning tobacco, which releases harmful chemicals into the bloodstream. Vaping, on the other hand, does not involve burning tobacco. Instead, it heats a liquid to create a vapor that is inhaled.
If you do not smoke ordinary cigarettes and prefer electronic nicotine systems, there are also few places, where you can find goods and devices. Electronic (e-cigarettes) in Luxembourg come in various shapes and styles, and this sphere is evolving every day.
Maybe even worse
Both smoking and vaping are harmful to your health!
Vappetons store is located in Luxembourg City. It offers a variety of e-cigarettes and fillers in almost every taste and color. Also, you can refill your vape there. This chain of shops is mostly located in France near the Grand Duchy, but luckily you can find one of their spots in the City.
- Phone: (+352) 28 99 88 97
- Website: vapetons.com
Dbon’r store located in the city center is a small vape shop with a range of products. There you can find various products, from e-cigarettes to liquids and accessories. This shop is open daily except Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Phone: (+352) 28 89 21 00
The Jwell store in Luxembourg offers a wide range of electronic cigarettes and vaping products, including starter kits, mods, tanks, coils, e-liquids, and accessories. They also have a team of experienced staff who can help you choose the right products for your needs.
- Phone: (+352) 26 18 72 40
Smoking kills and causes a lot of painful consequences. Moreover, nicotine is highly addictive and ruins many people's lives every day.
Don't smoke, there are a lot of nice things to do in the Grand Duchy instead!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does a pack of cigarettes cost in Luxembourg?
Is smoking in the street and public places allowed in Luxembourg?
Is smoking weed now legal in Luxembourg?
Source: www.astf.lu, www.macrotrends.net, www.generationsanstabac.org, guichet.public.lu, www.marijuanamoment.net, en.wikipedia.org
We took photos from these sources: Brendan Stephens for Unsplash, Thought Catalog for Unsplash, Macrotrends data statistics collage by Luxtoday.
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