Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The faction of the Democratic Party "Milliy Tiklanish" in the Legislative Chamber discussed the draft law "On limiting the distribution and consumption of alcohol and tobacco products."

Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, and oncological diseases have become global. Their spread is caused by the use of tobacco and alcoholic beverages. According to the UN, 5.4 million people worldwide die from smoking, and 3.3 million people die from alcohol.

The situation in Uzbekistan is also alarming. According to the Republican Institute of Health and Medical Statistics, in Uzbekistan, about 30 thousand people die annually due to diseases associated with smoking. A bad habit is followed by 23 percent of men and one percent of women. Recently, young people have become addicted to electronic cigarettes, nicotine snus. According to experts, smokers of electronic surrogates later start smoking regular ones twice as much.

With this in mind, a draft law was prepared, which stipulates the regulation of the circulation of alcohol and tobacco products, the protection of citizens from negative consequences, the creation of organizational and legal conditions for a healthy lifestyle in society. The effectiveness of the mechanisms of the current law is low.

In the new version of the document, the age limit for the sale of alcohol and tobacco products is increased from 20 to 21 years, requirements for supply and distribution are introduced. It was also established that the display and demonstration of tobacco products is not allowed on the counters of trade and service facilities. Nicotine snus is also categorized as a tobacco product.

According to experts, adolescence is a critical period for brain development. Nicotine use leads to severe addiction, memory loss, cognitive decline, and dangerous neuroses.

The World Health Organization proposes to address the situation through a complete ban on e-cigarettes or through strict measures applied to tobacco products. Today, in 32 countries, the sale of electronic cigarettes is prohibited.

Members of the faction were unanimous in favor of introducing severe restrictive measures. After heated discussions, the project was approved.

Other issues on the agenda were discussed at the meeting, and appropriate decisions were made.