Denmark to Restrict Alcohol Sales to Youth and Increase Tobacco Taxes

The Danish government has decided to limit access to alcohol for individuals under 18 and raise prices on chewing tobacco, whose popularity among the youth has raised concerns among local health authorities. According to officials, 22% of girls and 27% of boys in Denmark aged under 15 consume alcohol weekly, as reported on the Danish Ministry of Health's website.

As a response, Denmark plans to restrict the sale of alcoholic beverages with over 6% alcohol content to individuals aged 16-18, who were previously allowed to purchase beverages with up to 16.5% alcohol content. Additionally, there will be an increase in taxes on nicotine products and a prohibition on the use of "sweet enticing flavors and aromas in nicotine products."

"Consumption of tobacco, nicotine, and alcohol among children and youth is growing at alarming rates, and despite clear age restrictions on sales, minors can easily access these products," said Health Minister Sophie Lede.

Lede highlighted that youth engagement in tobacco, nicotine, and alcohol is rapidly increasing, even with existing sales restrictions. The government plans to allocate nearly 500 million Danish kroner (approximately $78 million) to implement 30 initiatives outlined in the preventive action plan, aiming to curb this negative trend and combat illegal sales.

"Children and young people start drinking too early, and they drink too much," added Health Minister Sophie Lede during a press conference. She also mentioned that the youth is consuming more "snus" – a packet placed under the upper lip containing synthetic nicotine and often flavored to attract young consumers. In response, the government plans to double the tax on this product, raising the average price of a pack by 12 kroner (1.6 euros), aligning it with the price of a cigarette pack.

It's worth noting that in early September, it was announced that France plans to ban disposable electronic cigarettes as part of its anti-smoking campaign. Currently, the government is developing a national anti-smoking program, which, according to officials, is responsible for 75,000 deaths annually in France.