As of January 1, 2025, a significant change in the regulations regarding smoking in public places will come into effect. This change is part of the government's ongoing efforts to protect citizens' health from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. The new measures will be stricter and aim to further restrict smoking in public spaces, with special attention to protecting vulnerable groups such as children and non-smokers.
What does the new smoking legislation entail?
The following important changes will be implemented as of January 1, 2025:
- Expansion of smoke-free zones:
- Smoking will be completely prohibited in all public spaces where many people gather, such as public parks, playgrounds, sports stadiums, and bus and train stations. Previously, these rules mainly applied to enclosed spaces, but the new legislation extends this to outdoor areas.
- Beaches and recreational areas are now also included in the smoke-free zones, especially near families and children.
- Stricter enforcement in the hospitality industry:
- In hospitality establishments, including terraces, smoking rules will be further tightened. It will no longer be permitted to smoke on semi-covered terraces. This also applies to establishments with partially enclosed spaces such as conservatories or tents.
- Protection of minors:
- One of the main goals of this new regulation is to protect children from exposure to tobacco smoke. Therefore, a strict smoking ban applies within a certain radius of school buildings, daycare centres and care institutions. This is to prevent children and young people from being involuntarily exposed to smoke.
- Stricter controls and higher fines:
- There will be more intensive enforcement of the new regulations, with violations incurring high fines. More checks will also be carried out by the government, especially in busy locations such as terraces and at events.
Why this change?
The new rules are based on studies showing that exposure to tobacco smoke, even outdoors, can have harmful health effects. The government's goal is to improve public health, particularly by protecting children and non-smokers from the harmful effects of passive smoking. This also aligns with broader European efforts to further reduce smoking and create a smoke-free generation.
What does this mean for you?
As of 2025, smokers will have to take these new restrictions into account. It is important to be aware of the smoke-free zones and to adhere to the rules to avoid fines. For non-smokers, this means cleaner, healthier public spaces, especially in places where many vulnerable groups are present.
For more information on the new regulations, please visit the website of the Federal Public Service Health, or consult your local municipality for specific guidelines.
With these new measures, the government hopes to take a significant step in improving the overall living environment and reducing the health risks of smoking.
