The European Commission is taking steps to further reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and aerosols by proposing a significant expansion of smoke-free zones in public areas. The new recommendation, announced this Tuesday, could see smoking and vaping banned in outdoor spaces like playgrounds, swimming pools, bus stops, and even terraces of bars and restaurants. This initiative is part of the European Plan to Combat Cancer and aims to curb the health risks associated with smoking and emerging tobacco products.
For the first time, the proposal also includes e-cigarettes, marking a major regulatory shift. While the recommendation is non-binding, as health policies fall under the jurisdiction of individual EU member states, it provides a clear guideline for expanding smoke-free areas. The proposal extends existing rules that have been in place since 2009 to cover outdoor spaces and non-nicotine products like vapes, which often appeal to younger users through flavoured options.
Stella Kyriakides, the European Commissioner for Health, emphasised the importance of tackling major health risks, including tobacco, which is a leading cause of diseases such as cancer and heart and lung conditions. “There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke,” Kyriakides noted, stressing that these new measures could significantly improve public health by lowering morbidity and mortality related to tobacco use and new vaping products.
The proposal also covers semi-outdoor areas like rooftops, balconies, and terraces, aiming to protect individuals in public spaces, especially children and non-smokers. Areas around schools, hospitals, and workplaces would be included under the new regulations. Public transport hubs, such as bus stops and airports, would also see a smoking ban under this new recommendation.
The initiative reflects a growing concern about the impact of newer tobacco products like e-cigarettes and vapes, which are seen as particularly attractive to younger audiences. By eliminating smoke and aerosols from public areas, the European Commission hopes to foster healthier environments and encourage smokers to quit.
The proposal aligns with the European Union’s broader goal of achieving a “tobacco-free generation” by 2040, aiming for a 30% reduction in tobacco consumption by 2025 and a long-term smoking rate of just 5% across the EU. Although these recommendations are not legally binding, they set a standard for member states to adopt stronger measures in the fight against tobacco-related illnesses.
Already, between 2009 and 2012, a notable decrease in second-hand smoke exposure was recorded following the first wave of anti-smoking regulations. This latest revision builds on that success, aiming for even greater public health benefits.
