MINA News

New restrictions would interfere with tourism business

Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – According to the latest survey, the potential introduction of new restrictions on the use of smokeless tobacco products indoors would negatively impact tourism businesses and adversely affect public health protection.

The survey results indicated that changes to the current Law on the Restriction of Tobacco Product Use, particularly in the part concerning potential new restrictions on the use of smokeless tobacco products indoors, would negatively affect the operation of hospitality establishments in Montenegro.

The survey conducted by the Chamber of Commerce (PKCG) among owners and managers of hospitality establishments in Montenegro shows that more than half of the respondents, or 59 percent, believe that additional bans through the amendments to the existing Law would directly influence citizens’ habits, consequently leading to a decline in turnover and less business activity in hospitality establishments.

“The survey results indicate that owners and managers of hospitality establishments believe that an additional ban on the use of smokeless tobacco products indoors would lead people to partially or completely violate this ban, while a considerable number think that additional bans would motivate users to revert to cigarette use,” stated a press release issued by the PKCG.

The research, carried out as part of preparations for the tourist season, shows significant concern among hospitality providers that new restrictions would burden tourism business operations and adversely affect smokers’ awareness, thus impacting public health protection. Therefore, synchronization of actions and a partnership between the public and private sectors is expected.

The survey was conducted in May in 18 cities and municipalities in Montenegro, among 300 owners and managers of hospitality establishments covering areas ranging from 50 to 200 square meters.