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

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

South Korea Implements Law Requiring Full Disclosure of Tobacco Harmful Substances

South Korea has enacted the Tobacco Harm Management Act, effective November 1, 2025, requiring tobacco manufacturers and importers to test and report harmful substances in their products every two years. Results for all tobacco types—including combustible cigarettes, heated tobacco, and e-cigarettes—will be publicly available from mid-2026.

Nov.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai

AG Miyares Argues Vape Ban Consistent with Federal Law, Seeks Dismissal

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and Tax Commissioner James J. Alex have asked a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the state’s ban on flavored e-cigarettes. They argue plaintiffs lack standing because the products are already illegal under federal law. The state denies claims of federal preemption and asserts sovereign immunity, maintaining that its ban aligns with its authority to protect public health.

Nov.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Tunisia's tobacco control policies are insufficiently implemented; experts call for the introduction of less harmful alternatives to help quit smoking

Although Tunisia has joined the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and implemented policies such as smoking bans and advertising restrictions, insufficient enforcement means nearly half of all men still smoke, with youth being particularly vulnerable. Public health experts recommend that Tunisia learn from the experiences of Sweden and the United Kingdom, introduce less harmful alternatives, and establish a customized regulatory system.

Sep.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai

FDA’s Makary on CNN: The Triple Challenge in Vape Regulation — New Opioids, Illicit Trade, and Youth Protection

In an interview with CNN’s Chasing Life, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary warned that new health risks — from emerging opioids such as 7-OH to unregulated vaping products — are slipping through regulatory cracks. His remarks reveal the FDA’s growing challenge to balance harm reduction for adult smokers with youth protection and cross-border enforcement.