Hungary - for the health of the citizens smoking ban must not be delayed

April 5, 2011 - March 10, 2011 - Hungary Smoking Ban May Be Delayed

Hungary shows the poorest cancer-related mortality rate within Europe, World Health Organisation (WHO) data released in Geneva on Friday, on World Cancer Day, show. (Hungary cancer-related mortality rate poorest in Europe by: MTI, caboodle.hu, 2/7/2011. Recent male Hungarian lung cancer mortality rates have been among the highest in history. (Lung cancer mortality rates at age 35-69 years,Hungary and 5 other countries: 1950-2005 (males))

The introduction of smoking ban in bars and restaurants would not cause the Hungarian state HUF 50 billion (1 USD = 185.552 HUF) in tax losses, the National Institute for Health Development (OEFI) said in response to a study by NAV that estimated severe losses related to the measure, online media site Index wrote

Consumption in establishments can drop up to 2-4% as a result of the ban, which would not cost more than HUF 7 billion if it was introduced this summer, OEFI said.

OEFI cites several international examples where smoking ban did not caused losses. The raise of excise duties and VAT usually has much more impact on consumption, the organization claimed.

Reference: Smoking ban would not hurt tax revenues, OEFI claims, Budapest Business Journal, 4/4/2011.

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