smoking ban - Tobacco Reporter

Spain Proposes Outdoor Smoking and Vape Ban

Today (September 9), Spain’s minority leftist government unveiled a bill that would ban smoking and vaping in outdoor spaces, including beaches, bar and restaurant terraces, bus stops, and stadiums, according to Reuters. Health Minister Monica García said the move puts “public health ahead of private interests,” stressing that everyone has the right to breathe clean air.

The proposal, which mirrors recent restrictions in France but goes further by including e-cigarettes, still needs parliamentary approval. The hospitality sector has criticized the plan, noting that Spain’s outdoor terraces are central to its dining culture and widely used by smokers. Smoking indoors has been banned since 2011.

September 9, 2025

Milan Bans Outdoor Smoking

Milan has banned smoking in outdoor and public areas, effective Jan. 1, 2025, reports Euro News.

The ban includes “all public spaces, including streets” but provides an exception for isolated spaces as long as smokers maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from other people. Those caught violating the ban face fines ranging from €40 to €240.

The ban aims to improve the city’s air quality and protect the health of citizens from secondhand smoke. Milan is one of Europe’s most polluted cities in terms of air quality.

The new law does not apply to electronic cigarettes, however.

January 2, 2025

Geneva to Ban Smoking in Some Outdoor Areas

Smoking will be banned in some outdoor public locations in Geneva beginning June 1, reports SWI. Bus stops, playgrounds and outside of schools are included in the ban.

The government has modified the law to create “healthy outdoor environments that are smoke-free.”

Under the law, smoking will be banned within a 9 meter perimeter of playgrounds, schools and day care centers, and smoking zones will be created at least 9 meters from outdoor swimming pools. Smoking will be completely banned at local bus stops.

Geneva Parliament agreed to the change in January 2022. Those caught breaking the law will be subject to a fine.

Since May 1, 2010, smoking has been banned in Switzerland in enclosed spaces when they are open to the public or serve as a workplace for more than one person. Smoking is banned in restaurants, public buildings and offices as well as on public transport. Smoking is permitted in separate smoking rooms, outdoors and in private homes.

Home to the global headquarters of Philip Morris International and Japan Tobacco International, Switzerland has historically lagged behind its neighbors in anti-smoking legislation, but that is starting to change.

In 2022, Swiss voters approved a referendum limiting tobacco and e-cigarette advertising.

May 5, 2023

Smokers on Miami Beach Could Face Jail

Cigarette smokers in Miami Beach could face up to 60 days in jail if caught repeatedly smoking on the city’s beaches and public parks. The new law went into effect on Jan. 1.

Vaping products, cigars and unfiltered cigarettes are still permitted.

Police officers will be issuing $100 civil fines to first offenders and $200 fines to second offenders within a 12-month period.

Police officers will be able to arrest repeat offenders at their discretion. The maximum punishment is a $500 fine and 60 days in jail, according to Local10News.

Governor Ron DeSantis made the ban possible when he signed a law in June that allowed local officials to regulate cigarette smoking at public beaches and parks.

The only Miami Beach commissioner who voted against the measure was Ricky Arriola, who said it will distract police officers from public safety.

“We shouldn’t be enforcing a law like this,” Arriola said.

January 4, 2023

Belgium Bans Smoking at Train Stations

Belgium has banned smoking and vaping at train stations, both indoor and outdoor, effective Jan. 1, 2023, according to The Brussels Times.

The ban will apply to all 550 stations in Belgium, and those caught in violation will be fined. Ashtrays will be removed from platforms, and prohibition signs at visible places will indicate the ban.

“Our children have the right to grow up in good health, including without exposure to tobacco. As children see fewer and fewer people smoking, the absence of tobacco is becoming the new norm for them,” said Marc Michils, Generation Smoke-Free spokesperson. “Generation Smoke-Free welcomes this measure that brings us closer to the first generation without tobacco.”

“There are 14,000 victims of tobacco every year in Belgium—that should spur us into action,” said Federal Mobility Minister Georges Gilkinet. The ban will “ensure healthier air on the platforms and, above all, reduce the pressure for young people who have quit or want to quit smoking.”

December 20, 2022

Austria to Expand Smoking Ban

The Austrian government plans to expand the country’s smoking ban to include “additional outdoor public places” in 2023, according to The Local.

The new amendment to the Tobacco and Nonsmoker Protection Act would add public places, such as “children’s playgrounds and recreational areas for children and young people,” to the list of banned smoking areas. The amendment would also regulate nicotine pouches, which have become increasingly popular among young people.

A ban on indoor smoking, including in bars and restaurants, was implemented in 2019.

The new amendment will be reviewed at the beginning of 2023.

December 19, 2022

Taiwan: Bill Approved to Raise Smoking Age

The Taiwan Cabinet approved a draft amendment to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, which would raise the legal smoking age to 20 from 18 as well as impose a ban on electronic cigarettes and flavored tobacco products, according to Focus Taiwan.

The draft amendment will now go to the legislature for deliberation.

If signed into law, those found in violation of the new age restrictions would face a fine ranging from TWD2,000 ($72) to TWD10,000.

Those found violating the ban on manufacture, import, sale, supply, display, advertising and use of all tobacco-like products, including e-cigarettes, could face a fine ranging from TWD10 million to TWD50 million.

The proposed bill would provide a legal basis for regulation of new tobacco products, such as heated-tobacco products, stating that suppliers of new tobacco products with unknown health risks should file an application for assessment of said products within a specific time period before suppliers are allowed to manufacture or import the products. Those caught violating this regulation could face a fine up to TWD50 million.

The bill goes further, expanding the smoking ban to colleges and universities, kindergartens, baby care centers and in-home childcare locations. Smoking in bars and nightclubs would only be allowed in designated areas. Graphic warnings and text would also be increased to 85 percent from 35 percent of the total package surface.

January 13, 2022

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