The EU calls for new anti-smoking regulations: new tobacco products such as e-cigarettes may be banned in outdoor places

The EU calls for new anti-smoking regulations: new tobacco products such as e-cigarettes may be banned in outdoor places

The European Commission has proposed to ban smoking and e-cigarettes in outdoor places such as playgrounds, swimming pools, and restaurants, aiming to expand smoke-free environments and protect public health. The plan is part of the EU's "Anti-Cancer Plan" and aims to reduce the smoking population to less than 5% by 2040.

According to the EU official website on September 17, as part of the fight against secondhand smoke, the EU called on member states to ban smoking and e-cigarettes in many outdoor places such as playgrounds, swimming pools and restaurant terraces.

In a non-binding recommendation, the European Commission said that expanding the smoke-free environment policy will better protect public health, especially the health of children.

The Commission urged the 27 EU member states to expand existing restrictions on cigarettes to cover other new tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco.

EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said,

"These products are increasingly reaching very young users. We have a responsibility to protect our citizens, especially children and young people, from harmful smoke and emissions."

The Commission said that bus stops, zoos, rooftop bars and cafe terraces are among the places where all smoking should be banned. As part of its "anti-cancer plan", the EU aims to reduce the proportion of smokers in the population from around 25% currently to less than 5% by 2040.

However, health policy is the competence of member states, meaning the Commission can only invite them to implement its recommendations according to their own circumstances.