4 July 2026
Addis Ababa (Ethiopia Today), July 4, 2026: The Addis Ababa Food and Drug Authority has officially increased the mandatory tobacco-free zone around schools to 500 meters.
This major public health policy is specifically designed to shield children and young people from the dangers of second-hand smoke and tobacco addiction.
By pushing retail points further away, the new regulation aims to drastically cut down students’ physical access to cigarettes and prevent early-age onset of nicotine dependency.
In a massive blow to the illicit market, authorities also announced the seizure of 1.3 million illegal cigarettes during a widespread enforcement crackdown across the city.
Violators caught selling tobacco within the newly banned 500-meter radius will face strict legal consequences, including up to six months in prison or fines reaching 5,000 Ethiopian Birr.
Dr. Muluemebet Tadesse, the Director General of the Authority, confirmed that these intensified enforcement measures directly align with the city administration’s broader public health strategy.
The Authority is now urging the public to cooperate with law enforcement and respect tobacco control laws to help create a cleaner, healthier, and smoke-free urban environment.