Smoking ban

Starting January 1, 2025, smoking will be prohibited on the streets of Milan, following a decision by the city council of Italy's second-largest city. This new rule will allow exceptions only in designated areas where a minimum distance of 10 meters can be maintained. Those who violate the ban could face fines of up to 240 euros.

In Milan, smoking will soon not be a habit: the Italian capital of fashion and finance has decided to ban cigarettesoutdoors from tomorrow, January 1.

According to the “air quality ordinance” adopted in 2020 by Milan, “as of January 1, 2025, the smoking ban extends to all public places, including streets.”

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 European Commission is considering banning smoking in outdoor areas such as café terraces, bus stops, and zoos. This potential move aims to further restrict smoking in Europe, following the example of countries that have already implemented strict measures. Experts say this is part of a broader effort to protect public health.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced today that he wants to introduce new measures in the fight against smoking, which, according to media reports, could include a ban on smoking in outdoor areas of restaurants and football stadiums.

The National Transparecy Authority launched the website 1142.aead.gr on Monday for citizens to report violations of anti-smoking legislation. 

Citizens will be able to submit their reports for free 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They will also be able to submit complains through the 1142 phone line, which operates from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. 

As concerns over public health continue to mount, Parliament is deliberating on proposed amendments to the Health Act aimed at cracking down on indoor smoking, encompassing all smoking products, including non-tobacco alternatives and hookahs.

Italy may soon ban smoking outdoors as well, reports "RAI News", "Sky TG 24" and "TG Com 24", quoted by BTA.

The draft legal act, which will contain the ban, is being prepared by the Ministry of Health. The ban will affect not only ordinary but also electronic cigarettes and so-called heated tobacco products.

Changes are being made to the smoking law in an attempt to close loopholes in anti-smoking legislation that allow essentially closed spaces to be called outdoors.

According to information, the Ministry of Health will attempt in the first quarter of 2023 to proceed with changes in cooperation with the relevant ministries.

Over the next three months the Health Ministry will seek to close the loopholes in the anti-smoking legislation that allow closed areas to be characterized as open-air, thus allowing people to smoke.

More specifically, the smoking of cigarettes will be expressly banned in cafes, bars, restaurants etc that are closed with canopies, plastic sheeting and other protective barriers.