EU Council to Debate Expansion of Smoke-Free Zones

According to Bezprawnik on December 2nd, the European Commission is pushing for the expansion of smoke-free areas, which means that smoking bans could be implemented in more places. The issue will be discussed by the European Council tomorrow.

The European Commission proposes that the smoking ban should apply not only to restaurants and other indoor spaces (except those specifically allowing smoking, such as certain pubs and bars) but also to large outdoor areas. The smoke-free zones would cover places like parks, amusement parks, bus stops, as well as partially covered or enclosed spaces near restaurants. 

This would also include patios and outdoor seating areas where smoking is often allowed without significant restrictions (although regulations vary by country). Additionally, the Commission advocates for including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and public buildings in the smoke-free zones.

For Poles, even if the resolution had a binding form for member states, the new recommendations would change little (apart from certain exceptions, like smoking areas in restaurant gardens). 

However, for other EU countries, establishing such broad smoke-free zones could have serious consequences. The impact would be more significant not only due to the smoking ban but also the inclusion of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco devices, and vaporizers, as the resolution proposes banning these products as well. 

This became the sticking point for the resolution's approval. While the European Parliament initially supported it, the final disagreement arose over including tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and other related devices in the ban. This opposition, particularly from the European Conservatives and Reformists, led to the rejection of the resolution.

The European Council will convene a meeting of health ministers in Brussels tomorrow (4th) to discuss the resolution.