A comprehensive smoking ban is set to be implemented in Belgium, extending to indoor smoking rooms, outdoor terraces, their vicinity, and public smoking rooms in cafes, airports, cigar clubs, and shisha bars, with a delay of one year from the initial proposal.

Starting January 1, 2027, smoking and vaping will be prohibited on all outdoor terraces of cafes, bars, and restaurants, as part of a broader health initiative to protect public health from tobacco and nicotine exposure.

The legislation also covers outdoor areas around hospitality venues within a 10-meter radius, with enforcement including potential fines or sanctions for violators, and provisions for temporary rule adjustments during festivals and markets.

Establishments will be required to display clear signage and actively prevent clients from smoking, with owners responsible for enforcement and no sanctions if they comply properly.

The new rules still require parliamentary approval and include measures for local authorities to enforce outdoor smoking bans at public events like festivals and markets.

Despite a decline in smoking rates from 19.4% in 2018 to 17.6%, tobacco remains a major health concern, causing nearly two deaths per hour in Belgium, underscoring the need for stricter measures.

The government aims to protect public health by preventing involuntary exposure to cigarette smoke and reducing the temptation to smoke, especially among children and young adults.

Addressing the rise of electronic cigarette use, which reached 21.7% among the population in 2023-2024, with 6.3% of 15-24-year-olds vaping daily, the legislation also targets vaping in public spaces.

Fines or sanctions will be imposed on those who violate the smoking ban, and authorities may adjust enforcement during large events to ensure compliance.

The hospitality industry has expressed concerns that the ban could lead to increased bankruptcies and noise issues, as smokers might congregate outside venues, impacting nearby residents.

The extension of the ban was initially planned for the following year but was delayed to give the hospitality sector more time to prepare for the new regulations.

This measure is part of the federal coalition agreement and aims to improve public health by reducing exposure to tobacco and nicotine products, with the broader goal of curbing smoking-related illnesses.