Belgium will implement a comprehensive ban on smoking and vaping on public terraces of hospitality venues, such as cafés and restaurants, starting January 1, 2027. The federal government approved the measure on September 12, also deciding to eliminate all designated public smoking rooms in venues like airports, bars, cigar clubs, and shisha lounges.
The implementation, initially planned for 2026, was delayed by a year to allow businesses time to adapt. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke stated the goal is to protect citizens from secondhand smoke and reduce the temptation to smoke, especially for young people. "Protecting people’s health and creating a healthy environment for everyone is what matters to us," he said.
Hospitality businesses will be required to display clear no-smoking signs and intervene if customers violate the rules. Venues could face penalties for non-compliance, such as failing to remove ashtrays. While smoking rates in Belgium have fallen to 17.6%, e-cigarette use is rising, particularly among 15-24 year olds. The ban has faced opposition from the hospitality industry, which fears a negative impact on business, but the government has prioritized public health. This move aligns Belgium with a broader European trend of tightening restrictions on smoking and vaping in public spaces.
