The new amendment will ban cigarette producers from offering hotel coupons, discounts or other incentives to consumers. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 1 (Korea Bizwire) — Tobacco producers will now be banned from promoting cigarette consumption by offering new products for free trial.
A bill containing relevant provisions to amend the National Health Promotion Act was passed by the state council on Tuesday.
Current laws prohibit all acts of promoting cigarette sales by tobacco producers, importers, sellers, and wholesalers to retailers, but fall short of banning all direct and roundabout acts of promoting cigarette sales to consumers by offering discount coupons for e-cigarette devices.
In response, the new amendment will ban cigarette producers from offering hotel coupons, discounts or other incentives to consumers.
Other acts of offering opportunities to use cigarette products or holding demonstrations for the products will also be banned.
Any violation will be punished by a fine up to 5 million won (US$4,150).
All acts of showcasing or advertising non-tobacco products as cigarettes will also be banned.
In addition, individuals will be banned from posting or distributing reviews on their experience using cigarette products and their comparison for profit.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
