Belgian Supermarkets to Resume Cigarette Sales in 2027

The Belgian federal government has confirmed that supermarkets larger than 400 square meters will be permitted to sell tobacco products again starting January 1, 2027. This reversal comes after the Constitutional Court struck down a previous ban, ruling that restricting sales based on store size was discriminatory. The decision is part of a broader political compromise that simultaneously secures a ban on flavored vapes.

The original ban, implemented last April, restricted large grocery stores from selling tobacco while only imposing a display ban on smaller shops. Advocacy group Buurtsuper.be and tobacco manufacturer Philip Morris Benelux successfully challenged this, arguing it created an unlawful competitive disadvantage.

Rather than drafting new regulations by the court’s 2027 deadline, Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke conceded the issue. This concession to the French-speaking liberal party MR was reportedly a strategic trade-off to successfully pass legislation banning flavored vapes.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions across the retail sector:

• Independent Supermarkets: Buurtsuper.be welcomed the removal of arbitrary sales rights that favored smaller shops.
• Tobacco Retailers: Perstablo, representing newspaper and tobacco shops, condemned the political compromise as “horse-trading at the highest level.”

When cigarettes return to larger supermarkets, strict display bans will ensure they remain out of sight. However, a widespread return across all chains is unlikely.

Retail federations Comeos and Unizo are actively advocating for a UK-style generational tobacco ban to phase out smoking entirely. Furthermore, discount chain Lidl, the first in Belgium to stop selling tobacco, has already stated it will permanently keep the products off its shelves, leaving the final choice to independent business owners.

• Read more: Belgium to Ban Flavored Vapes by 2028
• News reference: Belgian supermarkets will be able to sell cigarettes again next year

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

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