Smoke-free environments

According to conservative estimates, over 79 000 adults, including 19 000 non-smokers, died in the EU in 2002 due to exposure to tobacco smoke at home (72 000) and in their workplace (7300).

A Eurobarometer survey of March 2009 found 84% of EU citizens in favour of smoke-free offices and other indoor workplaces, 79% in favour of smoke-free restaurants, and 61% supporting smoke-free bars and pubs.

The EU has not decided on common rules in Europe, but has made recommendations to the Member States.

EU and the recommendation for protecting citizens from passive smoking

The Council Recommendation on smoke-free environments was adopted as the result of consultation led in 2007 and legislative process, on 30 November 2009, calling on EU countries to act in three main areas:

Adopt and implement laws to fully protect their citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke in enclosed public places, workplaces and public transport, within three years of the adoption of the Recommendation
Enhance smoke-free laws with supporting measures such as protecting children, encouraging efforts to give up tobacco use and pictorial warnings on tobacco packages
Strengthen cooperation at EU level by setting up a network of national focal points for tobacco control

According to the implementation report of 2013, 17 EU countries had comprehensive smoke-free legislation in place. Among these, Ireland, Greece, Bulgaria, Malta, Spain and Hungary have the strictest smoke-free provisions with a complete ban on smoking in enclosed public places, on public transport and in workplaces, with only limited exceptions allowed. Here the detailed overview of the legislation in the EU and the overview table of smoke-free legislation.

Click to read

TIPS: If you want to be constantly informed on the ongoing legislative process in the European Institutions on Tobacco products and take part to the debate, fill the form below. We can also provide all data concerning tobacco consumption over the last 10 years and the fiscal revenue of Member States.

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