Smoking
Smoking indoors will be prohibited in all prisons in September 2023. The prohibition will apply to both regular cigarettes and electronic cigarettes. The possession of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and lighters will also be prohibited.
Prisoners are allowed to smoke during their outdoor exercise. Prisoners have the right to exercise outdoors for at least one hour once a day.
The possession of tobacco products is prohibited. The tobacco products will be stored in separate facilities. The prison staff will give prisoners their own cigarettes for the duration of their outdoor exercise.
Support to quit smoking
One of the aims of the smoking restrictions is to encourage people to quit smoking. Smoking affects the whole body and increases the risk of various cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and osteoporosis. Cutting down smoking improves health.
The prohibition of smoking indoors decreases the harmful effects of tobacco smoke on the health of other prisoners and the prison staff.
Prisoners can get nicotine replacement products to relieve possible withdrawal symptoms. In addition, the Health Care Services for Prisoners and the Prison and Probation Service support prisoners who want to quit smoking. The support is arranged individually or in groups.
Published 26.9.2023