ANKARA: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday he will never allow electronic cigarette companies to produce their products in Turkey, urging Turks to drink tea instead. Speaking at an event against smoking in Istanbul, Erdogan said he had ordered his Trade Minister “never” to allow e-cigarettes in Turkey and said that tobacco companies were “getting rich by poisoning” people. While vaping is not illegal in Turkey, purchasing or distributing e-cigarettes is. In 2013, his government banned all advertisements, promotions and sponsorships of alcohol and tobacco products in Turkey. “Let’s put down cigarettes and drink our Rize tea,” Erdogan said on Sunday, referring to tea from his hometown in the Black Sea region.

Source: New Strait Times October 20, 2019 17:37 UTC