EU ministers endorse outdoor smoking ban in public spaces
European Union health ministers issued a joint recommendation to introduce a ban on smoking outdoors. The restrictions apply to, among other places, playgrounds and restaurant gardens. However, Brussels' position is not binding.
The vote took place on Tuesday, 3 December. The European Commission (EC) submitted the proposal to implement the ban, and health ministers of the European Union (EU) member states voted by a majority for its adoption.
EU ministers in favour of smoking ban in restaurant gardens
"Deutsche Welle" reports that according to the recommendation, the smoking ban should apply to playgrounds, bus stops, and outdoor dining areas.
The EC believes that tightening smoking regulations could primarily protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of cigarette smoke. "Second-hand smoke has clear, negative health effects," emphasised the new Vice-President of the EU, Teresa Ribera, following the decision.
The State Secretary in the German Health Ministry, Thomas Steffen, noted that individual federal states in Germany are responsible for smoking bans. For example, different rules apply in Baden-Württemberg (southern Germany) compared to North Rhine-Westphalia (western Germany).
The states criticised the adopted recommendation, as they consider it "too undifferentiated." "In particular, the extension of the smoking ban to outdoor dining areas has been rejected," admitted Steffen.
E-cigarettes equated with traditional ones
Additionally, most EU health ministers supported equating e-cigarettes with traditional cigarettes. Therefore, member states should also consider strict restrictions on the use of electronic vaporizers, as these are "increasingly reaching very young users".
The EC aims to reduce the percentage of smokers to 5% of the population by 2040. However, the health ministers' decision is only a recommendation. Public health remains within the competence of member states, so member states are not obliged to implement it.
