Belgium to Ban Smoking & Vaping on Terraces from 2027

Belgium is set to ban smoking and vaping on the outdoor terraces of cafés and restaurants starting January 1, 2027. The decision, approved by the Council of Ministers, is part of a broader anti-tobacco strategy championed by Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke. The new rules will also eliminate designated smoking areas in airports, restaurants, and cigar or shisha bars.

The implementation, initially planned for 2026, was postponed by a year to allow affected businesses time to adapt. Restaurateurs will be required to display clear signage and remind customers of the prohibition. While operators who demonstrate enforcement efforts will not be penalized, non-compliant smokers will remain responsible. “Protecting the health of citizens and creating a healthy environment for all, that is our mission,” stated Vandenbroucke, highlighting the goal of reducing passive smoke exposure and discouraging youth uptake.

The move has drawn negative reactions from hospitality (horeca) federations. They express strong concerns about the economic and social impact on a fragile sector that saw nearly 1,950 bankruptcies last year. They argue the ban was decided without proper consultation and could lead to public nuisances like crowds on public streets, noise, and neighborhood tensions. While relieved by the one-year delay, hospitality leaders are calling for realistic solutions and clear protocols, stating they do not want to act as “security agents.”

This ban comes as smoking rates in Belgium decline (12.8% daily), but vaping is on the rise, especially among 15-24 year olds, with nearly 60% of users combining vaping with traditional cigarettes.

• Read more: Spain to Ban Smoking & Vaping Ban to Terraces, Pools, and Bus Stops
• News source: Interdiction de fumer en terrasse: les fédérations horeca inquiètes

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