Alcohol / Tobacco / Drugs

Owning, selling, and consuming illegal drugs is punishable by law. This also applies to small amounts of drugs. The federal Act on Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (Betäubungsmittelgesetz) regulates which substances are illegal. Commercial drug-selling is punished severely.

There are age limits for the selling of alcohol and tobacco. In Canton Appenzell Ausserrhoden tobacco products and alcoholic beverages may not be sold to children and young people under the age of 16. For certain alcoholic beverages, such as liquor, the age limit is 18.

Bans on smoking vary according to the canton. Canton Appenzell Ausserrhoden has not introduced any cantonal laws that go beyond the federal act on the protection against passive smoking. A ban on smoking applies in:

• Smoking is prohibited in closed spaces accessible to the public, particularly in public administration buildings, hospitals, nursing homes, educational, cultural, and sports facilities, and in all areas of gastronomy.
• Separated and appropriately marked rooms with adequate ventilation can be provided for smokers.
• Exceptions are regulated by the cantonal government.

Smoking is also prohibited in indoor spaces of restaurants. An exception is made for smoking rooms that are separated and ventilated, but these are becoming increasingly rare. The smoking bans aim to protect people from health risks.