EU Parliament Rejects Proposal for Expanded Outdoor Smoking Bans

The non-binding recommendation, aimed at reducing smoking-related harm, now awaits a decision from EU member states.

The EU Parliament voted against endorsing a recommendation to expand smoke-free zones to outdoor areas like playgrounds, train stations, and public parks.
The proposal from the EU Commission aimed to protect the public, especially children and non-smokers, from secondhand smoke and harmful aerosols from e-cigarettes.
While the Parliament's decision holds no binding authority, EU member states are expected to deliberate on the recommendation next week.
Advocates argue such measures could reduce smoking rates and societal acceptance of smoking, citing successful examples from countries like Australia and Spain.
Critics, including some EU lawmakers, raised concerns about economic impacts on outdoor hospitality and questioned equating e-cigarettes with traditional tobacco products.