EU Council approves proposal to expand smoke-free areas, e-cigarettes and HTP products included in regulation

On November 3, the European Council announced that the Council approved a recommendation for a smoke-free and aerosol-free environment, which aims to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and aerosols and achieve a smoke-free generation in Europe by 2040 in accordance with the European Anti-Cancer Plan.

The recommendation encourages EU countries to expand their existing secondhand smoke protection to include major outdoor areas such as playgrounds and restaurant terraces. The new measures will also apply to new tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTP).

The revised recommendation expands the scope of smoke-free areas to include external and semi-open areas such as roofs, balconies, terraces and related service places such as bars, restaurants and cafes. Other areas involved include bus stops, airports, outdoor areas related to the workplace, hospitals and nursing homes, and also cover places such as public children’s playgrounds, amusement parks, swimming pools and zoos.

In addition, EU countries will be encouraged to further restrict the use of new tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTP) in certain public places, public transportation and workplaces.