The European Parliament’s decision on a smoke-free environment aims to extend the public smoking ban to new tobacco products, including heated cigarettes and vapes, expand the ban on outdoor areas, and strengthen the crackdown on illegal vape sales. The decision will be voted on November 28.
European Parliament to vote on total smoking ban
According to Euractiv on November 25, a cross-party group of MEPs’ decision on a smoke-free aerosol-free environment is being formulated and decided to vote on November 28. On the 27th, the European Parliament will discuss all these issues.
According to the published document, the lawmakers mainly want to urge member states to “extend public smoking bans to new tobacco products such as heated cigarettes and vaping products such as vapes.”
New tobacco products under regulation
It is proposed to extend the ban to major outdoor areas, including outdoor restaurants, cafes, offices, medical facilities, educational institutions, care facilities, and public transport facilities, including buses, tram stops, and train stations. This rule will also be included in railway platforms, airports, entertainment areas, and other gathering areas.
The proposal also recommends that the Commission conduct studies to encourage research into the risks of second-hand exposure to heated smoke and aerosol substances, including e-cigarette emissions. The document also stresses the importance of combating the sale of illegal vape brands, noting that “the Commission and Member States should commit to more stringent measures.”
The MEPs also expect the Commission to provide Member States with the funds needed to implement health policies and call on the Commission to submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the progress and implementation of our EU Parliament’s recommendations no later than four years after the adoption of the decision.
Olivier Varhelyi, Commissioner for Future Health (Oliver Varhelyi), confirmed at the hearing that the relevant departments of the Commission have started to amend the Directive on tobacco goods, tobacco tax, excise duty, and tobacco advertising.
