Tobacco control and enforcement 

Local authorities employ tobacco control officers whose responsibility it is to inspect retailers to ensure compliance with the Finnish Tobacco Act. Tobacco control officers also enforce smoking bans and restrictions. Local authorities are also responsible for the licensing of retailers and the registration of wholesalers of tobacco products and nicotine-containing liquids.

Regional State Administrative Agencies’ role is to coordinate and evaluate local authorities’ performance in the enforcement of the Tobacco Act. The work of both Regional State Administrative Agencies and local authorities is coordinated by the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health. The ultimate responsibility for the enforcement of the Tobacco Act lies with the Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. 

What is the purpose of the Tobacco Act? 

The Tobacco Act regulates, among other things, the import, possession, sale, distribution and advertising of tobacco products and provides for smoking bans and restrictions. The law is designed to protect the public from exposure to tobacco smoke.  

The ultimate objective of tobacco control is to discourage people from taking up smoking and help smokers to stop. 

Role and responsibilities of Regional State Administrative Agencies 

Regional State Administrative Agencies 

  • help local authorities to enforce the Tobacco Act in accordance with control plans prepared by the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health, 
  • regularly review local authorities’ tobacco control plans and ensure that they are followed through, 
  • work together with other authorities, such as the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health and the National Institute for Health and Welfare, to provide information and coordinate efforts to prevent substance abuse, 
  • run regional tobacco control projects, and 
  • train local authority tobacco control staff in cooperation with the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health. 

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