Teenagers in the Czech Republic Face Minimal Barriers to Buying Tobacco and Nicotine Products
A recent study shows that many Czech teens easily obtain cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouches despite the legal age limit of 18.
Research indicates that Czech minors encounter few obstacles when trying to buy cigarettes, e-cigarette liquids, or nicotine pouches, even though sales to anyone under 18 are prohibited. The ESPAD 2024 study recorded that over one-third of sixteen-year-olds had used such products within the last thirty days. A STEM/MARK questionnaire further highlighted that the majority of teens perceive acquiring these items before adulthood as straightforward.
Hricová, a specialist with the NGO Na věku záleží, explained that while alcohol sales are more frequently checked, the same legal restriction for nicotine products is enforced far less rigorously. An extensive compliance test involving 47 sites in every Czech region produced mixed outcomes; for example, in Budějovice neither a kiosk nor a convenience store sold the products to the test shoppers. The report also observed gender patterns, with boys favoring nicotine pouches and athletes, while girls more often use flavored e-cigarettes.
