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Tag: smoking ban

  • Belgium Bans Smoking at Train Stations

    Belgium Bans Smoking at Train Stations

    Image: Алексей Горелов | Adobe Stock

    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.”

  • Austria to Expand Smoking Ban

    Austria to Expand Smoking Ban

    Image: horst jürgen schunk | Adobe Stock

    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.

  • Taiwan: Bill Approved to Raise Smoking Age

    Taiwan: Bill Approved to Raise Smoking Age

    Photo: toa555 | Adobe Stock

    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.