Smoking rules to be further tightened in Belgium

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 09. 16. 10:02

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Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes on the terraces of cafes, bars and restaurants will be banned in Belgium from 1 January 2027, announced Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke. The ban also applies to cigars, pipes and water pipes.

According to the regulation, guests will not be allowed to light up within ten metres of the entrance and terrace of restaurants from the beginning of 2027.

Hosts who still leave ashtrays on display after the law comes into force, or guests who smoke, can be fined.

The draft law, which still needs to be approved by parliament, requires local authorities to develop measures to reduce smoking at outdoor events such as festivals, fairs and markets.

The Belgian government has been working on measures to reduce smoking for years. The new ban was originally planned to be introduced earlier, but the cabinet is now giving the hospitality industry more time to prepare.