European Commission Proposes Smoking Ban for Outdoor Public Spaces

The European Commission has proposed extending smoking bans in the EU to include open public spaces. This recommendation is designed to enhance protection against "passive smoking," according to BTA.

The Commission suggests that these bans should apply to outdoor recreational areas where children often gather, such as playgrounds, amusement parks, and swimming pools. It also recommends extending restrictions to outdoor sections of health and educational facilities, public buildings, service establishments, bus stops, and train stations. Additionally, the proposed measures would cover new products like electronic cigarettes.

To support these efforts, the European Commission plans to allocate 96 million euros for improving tobacco and nicotine control and preventing addiction. While the Commission sets these guidelines, it notes that health policies will be shaped by individual EU countries based on their specific circumstances and needs.