The European Commission has proposed banning smoking and the use of vapes in outdoor places such as amusement parks, swimming pools, and restaurants to expand smoke-free environments and protect public health. The plan is part of the EU’s Cancer Prevention Program, which aims to reduce the number of smokers to less than 5% by 2040.
According to the official website of the European Union, on September 17, the EU called on member states to ban smoking and vaping in many outdoor places, such as amusement parks, swimming pools, and restaurant terraces, as part of its fight against secondhand smoke.
In an unfettered recommendation, the European Commission said expanding smoke-free environment policies would better protect public health, especially children’s health.
The Commission urged the 27 EU member states to expand current tobacco restrictions to cover other new tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and heated cigarettes.
Stella Kyriakides, EU Commissioner for Health (Stella Kyriakides), said.
- “These products are increasingly reaching very young users. We have a responsibility to protect citizens, especially children and young people, from harmful smoke and emissions.”
Bus stops, zoos, rooftop bars, and café terraces are among the places where all smoking should be banned, the Commission said. As part of its Cancer Plan, the EU aims to reduce the proportion of smokers to 25% of the population to less than 5% by 2040.
However, health policy was the competence of member States, which meant that the Commission could only invite member States to implement their recommendations as it saw fit.
