Norway is the most recent country to have banned the display of tobacco products and other smoking articles. The ban entered into effect on January 1, 2010.
General
There are approximately 9,000 retailers selling tobacco products in Norway. In 2008, smoking prevalence was approximately 21% and the total cigarette market was estimated to be 2.4 billion cigarettes. The average retail price for a leading brand of 20 cigarettes in the premium price category is NOK81 (approx. $14) of which approximately 74% is tax. Read more
Legislation
Since January 1, 2010, the display of tobacco products and smoking articles like pipes and cigarette paper is banned. Read more
Illicit Trade
In 2009, the amount of illegal cigarettes seized in Norway has doubled to 14 million (vs 7.1 million in 2008). Read more
Media
From the beginning of this year you can buy but not see tobacco at kiosks, gas stations and grocery stores. "I doubt that this regulation will have any effect," said smoker Benedicte Gudjonsson.
Demokraten, December 15, 2009
Read more
Norwegian Reports and Studies
Gorm Grønnevet Report - Norway – 2007
The report, written by Gorm Grønnevet in 2007, a doctoral scholar at the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration, analyses the effects of tobacco product display bans on smoking habits among young smokers.
The report concludes that there is no discernable evidence that point of sale display bans have had any effect on reducing smoking prevalence, in countries which have implemented them.
Click here for full report
Press Release
On March 9, 2010, Philip Morris Norway AS announced a lawsuit challenging the Norwegian product display ban.
Click here for press release (Eng)
Click here for press release (Nor)