EU Parliament Rejects Outdoor Smoking Ban, Leaves Decision to Member States

Nov.29.2024

The European Parliament has rejected the proposal for an outdoor smoking ban. Member states will have the discretion to decide whether to adopt the European Commission's recommendations, as they are non-binding.

According to a report by BRF on November 28, the European Parliament voted against a proposal to implement a smoking ban outdoors, as the proposal did not receive majority support in Strasbourg.

The European Commission proposed revisions to smoke-free area guidelines in September. According to the proposal, areas frequently used by children and teenagers, such as public playgrounds and swimming pools, as well as stations and train stations, should all become smoke-free zones in the future. These bans not only apply to traditional cigarettes, but also include e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

It is expected that the EU member states will decide next week whether to adopt the recommendations of the European Commission. The vote of the EU Parliament will not have any impact on this decision.

Even if the proposal from Brussels is eventually accepted, it does not mean that these outdoor smoking bans will be universally implemented. This is because each member state has sovereignty in health policy. Therefore, the recommendations of the European Commission are not legally binding. Even the EU parliamentary declaration that was not passed also lacks legal validity.

References:

[1] EU-Parlament: Keine Einigung zu Rauchverbot im Freien

Also Read:

[1] EU Proposal: Public Smoking Ban to Extend to New Tobacco Products

[2] German environment ministry urges EU-wide ban on disposable e-cigarettes

[3] EU Calls for Expanded Smoking Ban in Outdoor Areas

[4] EU Health Ministers Discuss Proposal to Restrict Nicotine Product Flavors

[5] EU Tobacco Policy: Balancing Prevention and Innovation in Smoking

[6] Interview with NNPA.EU: EU Nicotine Pouch Users on the Rise, Market Projected to Reach €2.1 Billion

[7] EVO NXT | EU Nicotine Pouch Market: 1:2 Ratio of Online and Traditional Channels

[8] Consensus on Harm Reduction Products: Results of EU Consultation

#Europe #Traditional tobacco #Legislation #European Union

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