A proposal to ban the display of tobacco products in retail stores has opened a debate on whether restrictions actually reduce smoking or strengthen the illegal market.

Supporters of the measure argue it is about protecting public health, especially minors, and that the ban is part of a broader strategy to reduce smoking.

On the other hand, critics warn that when legal shelves "go dark," the illegal market "lights up." The ban could direct purchases toward unregulated sellers, and the loss of visibility in legal retail could benefit smuggled and counterfeit products.

The global illegal trade in vapes and tobacco products already amounts to billions of euros, and experiences from other countries show that strict bans do not always achieve the desired results.