As smoking regulations continue to tighten across Europe, experts believe the next move for many countries will be to restrict smoking in outdoor areas, such as beaches, parks, and restaurant terraces. The UK is reportedly considering banning smoking in these areas, while the European Commission is preparing to release new recommendations to limit smoking in public spaces.
Countries like Sweden have already taken strong measures, becoming the first European nation to completely ban smoking on bar and restaurant terraces. The country has seen a dramatic reduction in smoking rates since the 1980s, with only 8% of Swedes smoking, compared to the European average of 25%. In contrast, smoking rates in countries like Bulgaria reach as high as 37%.
Despite the decline in smoking, tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable deaths in the EU, responsible for approximately 700,000 deaths annually. Secondhand smoke also poses serious health risks, such as lung cancer and heart disease, contributing to the European Commission’s goal of creating a “tobacco-free generation” by 2040, where less than 5% of the population will use tobacco.
Different Approaches Across Europe
Smoking regulations vary significantly across Europe. While EU-wide rules govern tobacco taxes and packaging, individual member states set their own smoke-free laws. Some nations, like France, have some of the most stringent anti-smoking legislation. France banned smoking in all indoor areas by 2007 and implemented neutral packaging in 2016. France is now considering banning smoking in outdoor spaces such as beaches, parks, and near schools by 2025.
The Netherlands, another leader in tobacco control, has also implemented neutral packaging and banned smoking at educational facilities. The country is gradually expanding restrictions on tobacco product sales. Meanwhile, in Ireland, where cigarette prices are the highest in Europe at €16.75 per pack, the government is exploring raising the minimum age for purchasing tobacco to 21.
However, potential outdoor smoking bans are not without controversy. Hospitality industries, particularly in the UK, have expressed concern that such measures could lead to a loss in business, similar to what was seen after the indoor smoking ban.
The Road Ahead
As more European countries look to introduce stricter smoking bans, experts highlight the importance of additional measures such as increasing tobacco taxes and implementing plain packaging. The future of tobacco regulation will likely involve a combination of policies designed to protect public health while navigating the challenges posed by new nicotine products like e-cigarettes.
Source: Euronews
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