FACTBOX: How smoking bans are evolving across Europe

By Elnur Mirzazada
May 30, 2025 18:43 Updated 1d ago
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Reuters

As public health concerns over tobacco use persist, countries across Europe are tightening regulations on smoking, particularly in public spaces. France’s announcement of a new outdoor smoking ban highlights a growing continental trend toward stricter anti-smoking measures.

Here is a snapshot of current smoking regulations in European countries:

France

  • New Ban (Effective July 1, 2025): Smoking will be banned in outdoor spaces frequented by children — including beaches, parks, public gardens, and near schools.
  • Smoking Rate: Just under 25% of adults (18–75) smoke daily, the lowest since records began in the 1990s.
     

Austria

  • Ban: Smoking prohibited in all enclosed public spaces, including bars and restaurants (since 2019).
  • Exceptions: Enclosed smoking rooms allowed in venues over 50m², if smoke does not escape.
     

Bulgaria

  • Ban: Total public smoking ban in place.
  • Challenge: Enforcement is weak in bars; Bulgaria has the highest smoking rate in Europe.
     

Czech Republic

  • Ban: Smoking prohibited in closed public spaces; stricter enforcement in bars and restaurants since 2017.
  • Municipal Powers: Local authorities can ban smoking in playgrounds and sports venues.
     

Denmark

  • Ban: Smoking banned in most public places, with exceptions in designated smoking rooms.
  • Small Bars: May allow smoking if under 40m².
     

Finland

  • Ban: Smoking banned in public places and near childcare/educational facilities.
  • Goal: To become a smoke-free nation in the long term.
     

Germany

  • Federal System: Smoking rules vary by state.
  • Strictest States: Bavaria has a full indoor ban; some small establishments exempt if no food is served.
     

Greece

  • Ban: Comprehensive public ban in place.
  • Compliance Issues: Enforcement remains poor; Greece has the second-highest smoking rate in Europe.
  • Expanded Restrictions: Since 2019, includes vaping bans and stricter enforcement.
     

Italy

  • Ban: Public spaces, workplaces, and restaurants.
  • Exceptions: Ventilated smoking rooms covering less than half of the space are permitted.
     

Netherlands

  • Ban: Smoking in enclosed public spaces prohibited.
  • Exceptions: Designated smoking rooms are allowed; outdoor smoking generally permitted.
     

Poland

  • Ban: Most public places and transport.
  • Exceptions: Designated smoking rooms allowed if ventilated.
     

Spain

  • Ban: Comprehensive ban with few exceptions (e.g., private smoking clubs).
  • Regional Beach Bans: Barcelona (since 2022), with others following — Andalusia, Balearics, Canaries, Galicia, and Valencia.
  • Future Plans: Expand bans to stadiums and open-air venues.
     

Sweden

  • Ban Extension (2019): Includes outdoor restaurant terraces, bus stops, train platforms, building entrances, schoolyards, and sports fields.
  • Indoor Ban Since 2005: Enforced in restaurants and bars.
     

United Kingdom

  • Tobacco and Vapes Bill (2024): Proposes ban on smoking outside schools, hospitals, and playgrounds.
  • Generational Ban: Those born since 2009 would be permanently prohibited from buying cigarettes.
     

As public sentiment and health data continue to favor smoke-free environments, Europe appears to be moving steadily toward a future with stricter tobacco control policies—with outdoor smoking bans gaining momentum across the continent.

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