Belgium has announced it will ban smoking and vaping on public terraces as well as scrap smoking rooms in bars, airports and shisha lounges from January 1, 2027, following a federal government approval earlier this month. The move was originally planned to be implemented next year, but has been delayed by a year to give businesses time to adapt.

"Protecting people's health and creating a healthy environment for everyone is what matters to us," said Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke. "With these measures, we prevent children and adults from involuntarily inhaling harmful cigarette smoke and ensure that people are not tempted to light up a cigarette." The new rules also require hospitality businesses to display clear no-smoking signs and intervene if customers break the rules. Venues will face penalties if they ignore violations, fail to remove ashtrays, or encourage smoking.

The ban will be implemented nationwide, meaning cities that have become popular tourist hotspots will be affected. This includes the walkable city of Bruges with its medieval buildings and canal, the fashion capital Antwerp and Belgium's cosmopolitan capital, Brussels.

The move has not been welcomed by everyone. The ban, which forms part of the government's coalition agreement, has faced opposition from parts of the hospitality industry, which have argued that these terraces are crucial for attracting customers.

Regardless, ministers have pushed ahead, citing the importance of public health and protecting non-smokers.

Belgium is not the first to launch a crackdown on smoking and vaping in public in a bid to make a healthier society. Several countries within the EU, including Ireland, Greece, Spain, and Hungary, have strict regulations banning smoking in enclosed public spaces.

In Greece, smoking is prohibited in indoor public areas such as restaurants, cafes, workplaces and public transport. Bans also apply to outdoor venues like sports facilities, entertainment areas, and other gathering places, especially where minors are present. Smokers face fines starting from €50 (£43) for minor offences and up to €500 (£434), with heavier penalties of €1,500 (£1,300) for repeat offenders or if caught in a taxi.

Meanwhile, in Spain, a new bill introduced earlier this month (September 9) proposes banning the use of vapes, e-cigarettes, and cigars in outdoor venues, including bars and restaurants, bus stops, and even beaches. However, Spain's hospitality sector has claimed the country may have shot itself in the foot. Hostelería de España, which represents restaurants and bars, has highlighted that within Europe, "only Sweden maintains a similar total ban."