The European Commission is poised to significantly expand its smoking restrictions, introducing new measures aimed at reducing passive smoke exposure in various public and semi-public spaces.
Includes E-cigarettes and Heated Tobacco
The proposed regulations will cover a broader range of environments than previous rules, including outdoor areas such as café terraces, bus stations, and zoos, according to Digi24.
The new guidelines build on the 2009 EU directives designed to minimize exposure to second-hand smoke in indoor public places, workplaces, and public transport.
However, the updated draft proposes extending these protections to encompass all types of aerosol products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, not just traditional cigarette smoke.
Banned in Outdoor and Semi-Outdoor Spaces
Under the new recommendations, smoking would be banned in outdoor or semi-outdoor spaces associated with service establishments like restaurants, bars, and cafés.
This would also apply to public transport hubs, including bus stops and airports, as well as outdoor areas related to workplaces, hospitals, and nursing homes. Additionally, recreational areas frequented by children—such as playgrounds, amusement parks, swimming pools, and zoological gardens—would be included in the ban.
The European Commission's push for these expanded restrictions comes in response to mounting evidence of the health risks posed by second-hand aerosol emissions. Despite the guidelines being non-binding, they provide a framework for member states to follow in their efforts to curb tobacco-related health issues.
The proposal, initially scheduled for January, was delayed, raising concerns about potential industry influence on these decisions.
The expanded restrictions are part of the European Commission's broader anti-cancer strategy, which aims to create a "smoke-free generation" by 2040, reduce tobacco use by 30% by 2025, and lower the smoking rate in the EU to just 5% of the population.
