UpdateThe federal government wants to ban smoking in amusement parks, zoos, petting zoos and playgrounds from 2025. This is stated in an anti-tobacco plan, the federal cabinet of which approved the federal position on Friday. If it depends on the De Croo government, there will also be a sales ban in cafés and at festivals, and from 2028 also in large food stores.
The plan fits in with the government’s ambition to achieve a smoke-free generation. To achieve this, measures must be taken so that young people and children come into less contact with tobacco, says Minister of Health Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit). “Health is a matter of healthy living: lots of exercise, healthy eating and not smoking. A healthy life reduces the risk of getting sick,” emphasizes the Vooruit deputy prime minister.
Children
Since 2009 you can no longer smoke in buildings that are publicly accessible, such as cafes and restaurants. In two years’ time, some public places in the open air will also be added. These are places where many children are present, such as amusement parks, zoos, petting zoos and playgrounds. In addition, the government is considering banning cigarettes at the entrances of hospitals and schools, but that still needs to be worked out.
Vivaldi also wants to limit the number of places where tobacco is sold. For example, from 2025 it will no longer be possible in cafés and at festivals. This was approved by the House at the end of last month.
In 2028, the government wants to ban the sale of tobacco in food stores larger than 400 square meters. It is also the intention that tobacco products will no longer be displayed in the places where they are still allowed to be sold, in order to avoid impulse purchases.
In addition, the government will investigate by April next year what restrictions are possible on sports fields and activities of youth organizations, such as youth movements. In consultation with the sports federations, it is being considered how a smoking ban can be introduced in the stadiums, following the example of the Pro League in football.
More expensive
Finally, it has been decided to make tobacco more expensive. How much and how that should be tackled will be discussed in the government at the beginning of next year. Anti-tobacco experts also advocate raising the price of smoking. “As soon as possible to 12 euros per package,” said Stefaan Hendrickx of the Flemish Institute for Healthy Living recently to HLN.
The intention is now to finalize a national anti-tobacco plan together with the federal states.
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