In the Bosnia-Herzegovina entity RS, a new regulation, the Law on Health Protection from Tobacco and Other Smoking Products, could soon be adopted, which foresees the strictest measures so far.
Among them are a complete ban on smoking in all closed public spaces, including cafes and restaurants, a ban on the consumption of electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches, and a ban on the sale of snus and e‑cigarettes to minors.
According to the Minister of Health and Social Protection, Alen Šeranić, the law aims to prevent access to these products by young people and protect public health.
Reactions: citizens and restaurateurs are divided
Citizens are divided, while some support the ban, especially for the protection of young people and children, others point out that the policy of the ban can negatively affect the work of restaurants and bars. Some smokers believe that the ban will damage the atmosphere and freedom of choice.
According to the association of restaurateurs and hoteliers “HOREKA”, a complete ban on smoking is acceptable, because equipping special smoking areas would be expensive and ineffective.
Poker mechanisms: fines and new regulations
For violating the ban on smoking and selling tobacco or similar products to minors, the law foresees penalties, according to statements from the RS Government: as previously stated, fines for non-compliance with the regulations could amount to 1,000 to 2,000 KM for individuals, while legal entities and facilities could be fined between 3,000 and 6,000 KM. (Such figures were mentioned in public statements about the draft law.)
The law, if adopted, would represent the strictest step so far and would mark the end of smoking in closed public spaces, restaurants, cafes, as well as limiting the availability of e‑cigarettes and similar products, especially to young people.
The Law on the Control and Limited Use of Tobacco, Tobacco and Other Smoking Products was adopted in the Federation of BiH (Official Gazette of FBiH No. 38/2022), and its implementation began on May 28, 2023. The new regulations foresee a ban on smoking in closed public and catering spaces, workplaces and public transport, including hookahs and other products that burn tobacco.
The Rulebook on Exceptions (special smoking areas) was adopted on June 5, 2024, and its application with sanctions began on June 13, 2025. Penalties for violating the ban in the FBiH amount to: for legal entities from 2,000 to 5,000 KM, for responsible persons 300-1,000 KM, and for natural persons, misdemeanor measures are foreseen – in some cases up to 1,500 KM, it says Radio Sarajevo.
