Belgium postpones terrace smoking ban

People in Belgium will be able to smoke at restaurant terraces for a little while longer after the government announced it would be delaying its outdoor ban planned for early 2027. The federal government planned to prohibit smoking outside cafés and eateries as a public health measure from Jan. 1 , spearheaded by social democrat Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke. But Belgium’s Council of State, its supreme administrative court, “has asked us to adjust some measures, and we are working on this,” a statement from Vandenbroucke’s cabinet, shared with local media outlet VRT, said. The minister’s move initially prompted backlash from the Belgian hospitality sector; the statement added the postponement would allow enough time for venues to adjust to the new rules. Several other EU countries are moving forward with similar bans — albeit with different success rates. France recently introduced a smoking ban on beaches, gardens and near schools. Spain, meanwhile, approved a draft bill in July that would extend the ban to outdoor terraces and other public spaces, including restrictions on e-cigarettes — but which faces pushback from restaurant owners. Belgium introduced a slate of new anti-smoking laws last year, including curbs on smoking in airport rooms and a ban on flavored vapes, aiming to achieve a “smoke-free generation” by 2040. Outdoor smoking bans are one of many measures advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the Belgian Cancer Foundation, nearly a quarter of Belgians smoke and 19% do so daily. It is unclear how long Belgium will postpone its outdoor smoking ban. Once published, the country’s national parliament still has to approve the Council of State’s amendments.