Filenews 20 June 2025
Smoking is not prohibited in casinos even indoors and even with a legislative bullet. This is stated in the Minister of Health's response to MP Nikos Kettiros, in which the following are mentioned:
According to Article 34 of the Casino Operation and Control Law of 2015 and 2022, "smoking is allowed only within the premises where casino games are held and these premises must be distinct from the rest of the resort casino premises".
In the response, it is added that "the places where casino games are held do not constitute a smoking ban area within the meaning of the Health Protection (Smoking Control) Law".
Moreover, smoking an e-cigarette is not prohibited, under certain conditions, in the waiting area of passengers embarking at an airport or port of the Republic, in specially designed smoking areas in hotels, and in designated open outdoor areas of hospitals, including urban or rural health centres.
More specifically, based on the minister's answer, the following apply:
According to the existing national legislation, the use of an electronic cigarette is generally prohibited in any smoking prohibition area, in a public vehicle, as well as in a vehicle for private use in which a minor is occupied, and in all workplaces, with some exceptions as follows:
• Specific indoor or enclosed spaces that will be created only in the waiting area of passengers embarked at an airport or port of the Republic, in which minors are prohibited from entering, unless the management of these airports or ports implements a policy of complete smoking ban.
• In specially designed smoking areas in hotels (cigar lounges), which have an autonomous and independent ventilation and air conditioning system, on the basis of specifications set by the Department of Electromechanical Services of the Ministry of Transport, provided that no food is served in these areas and entry is prohibited to persons under the age of eighteen (18) and pregnant women.
• On specially designed floors or rooms for smokers in hotels, which have an autonomous and independent ventilation and air conditioning system, on the basis of specifications set by the Department of Electromechanical Services of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works.
• In designated open outdoor areas of hospitals, including urban or rural health centers, which are indicated by the management of the hospital or health center and which are not allowed to be located at the entrance or exit of the hospital or health center.
• In all outdoor areas that do not fall under the ban.
It is also not forbidden to use electronic cigarettes for testing purposes in their special sales stores.
It is noteworthy that the granting of a license for the sale of these products (electronic cigarettes) as well as tobacco products is not covered by the Health Protection (Smoking Control) Laws 2017 and 2023.
According to the available data cited by the minister, imports of e-cigarettes into Cyprus are usually carried out by China, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, etc.
Finally, it is mentioned that the supply of tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, new tobacco products, herbal products for smoking and non-smoking tobacco products to a minor (under 18 years of age) is prohibited.
