Lithuania’s parliament on Thursday rejected proposed amendments to raise the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21.
Only 26 MPs voted in favour of the amendments, 30 voted against and another 30 abstained.
The amendments to the Law on the Control of Tobacco, Tobacco Products, and Related Products were initiated by opposition Conservative MP Jurgita Sejonienė.
“What is there to talk about tobacco? We all know tobacco is harmful and addictive. The earlier someone starts smoking, the stronger the addiction and the greater the risk of chronic and even incurable diseases. As we know, 9 out of 10 lung cancer cases are caused by smoking,” Sejonienė said during the parliamentary session.
Opposition Liberal MP Eugenijus Gentvilas questioned whether a person serving in the military and raising two children should not have the right to decide for themselves whether or not to smoke.
“Will this right be taken away from him? Will he be punished for wanting to smoke? We’re talking about an adult citizen of Lithuania, fulfilling all responsibilities and holding all other rights – except the right to buy cigarettes?” Gentvilas asked.
In response, Sejonienė countered that similar debates had taken place when alcohol restrictions were introduced.
“Young people are doing just fine. In fact, 7–8 years after the regulations were implemented, alcohol-related deaths and diseases have declined, and overall consumption — especially of strong alcohol – has gone down. I believe these are really positive results. We should aim for the same with another addictive substance – tobacco,” she said.
Since 2019, alcoholic beverages in Lithuania can only be purchased by those 20 and older – a change made through an amendment to the Alcohol Control Law. Parliament has also considered proposals to ban those under 21 from participating in gambling.
“The state’s approach and regulation should be equally strict for all substances and activities that cause the most severe addictions and health consequences,” Sejonienė’s proposal stated.
MP Aidas Gedvilas from the Nemunas Dawn party, part of the ruling coalition, agreed that the proposal was important in reducing addiction and limiting teenage access to tobacco, particularly in schools. However, he argued that a broader, more comprehensive approach was needed, one that included increasing youth engagement.
“What steps are planned in this regard? Will this be the only measure, or are you seeking other solutions? Because clearly, what you're proposing is quite simple – just push a button – but that doesn’t really solve the issue,” he said.
Sejonienė replied that employment measures could not be included in this specific bill, but she agreed they should be addressed through other legislation.
Aimed at reducing smoking rates
Currently, Lithuanian law allows the purchase of tobacco products from the age of 18.
The explanatory note of the bill highlights that many in Lithuania begin smoking before the age of 18.
“Compared to other European countries, Lithuania stands out for having one of the highest rates of both cigarette and e-cigarette use among school students,” the document stated.
The note emphasised that reducing smoking rates requires a combination of regulatory and economic measures to limit access to tobacco products.
According to Sejonienė, the age limit of 21 for tobacco purchases is already in place in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Had the law been adopted, the new age restriction would have come into effect in 2029.
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