Austria has rejected a recent recommendation from the European Commission to extend smoke-free zones across the country.
The proposal, announced in mid-September, aimed to ban smoking in areas frequented by children, including playgrounds, swimming pools, schools, and restaurant outdoor dining spaces. The Austrian government, however, maintains its stance against further smoking restrictions, citing concerns over potential impacts on local businesses.
READ ALSO: Could the EU force Austria to ban smoking in outdoor cafe areas?
Mario Pulker, chairman of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ) hospitality division, expressed his disapproval of the recommendation.
He said: "Something like this would be ruinous for our businesses and would result in massive losses in turnover."
The EU’s suggestion is not legally binding, as The Local reported.
Diverging opinions on smoking regulations
Austrian MEPs across various political parties have voiced their opposition to the EU's proposal.
Petra Steger from the Freedom Party (FPÖ) and Lukas Mandl of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) firmly rejected the idea, arguing that it falls outside the jurisdiction of the EU Commission.
Although there is a general consensus among parties regarding the need to reduce smoking rates, many politicians, including Andreas Schieder from the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) and Thomas Waitz from the Greens, believe that this should be achieved through education and awareness campaigns rather than imposing bans.
Austria has made strides in smoke-free regulations over the past few years.
READ ALSO: Barbecues, nudity and smoking: What am I allowed to do on my balcony in Austria?
The Ministry of Health, under Johannes Rauch of the Greens, noted that many of the EU-recommended measures have already been implemented. Smoking is currently prohibited in outdoor areas of schools and childcare facilities. Smoking in covered outdoor dining areas is allowed only if at least 50 percent of the sides are open for air circulation.
Furthermore, smoking is banned in commercial passenger transport and private vehicles with minors present.
Future of smoking regulations in Austria
Despite the rejection of the EU’s recommendation, discussions around smoking regulations continue in Austria, particularly regarding emerging tobacco products like nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes.
The Ministry of Health is drafting amendments to the Tobacco and Non-Smoker Protection Act, which aims to regulate these new products, especially since they have gained popularity among younger people.
READ MORE: EXPLAINED: How Austria plans to curb cigarette smoking
As the country dives into government coalition negotiations, political opposition to stricter smoking regulations remains strong, particularly from the far-right FPÖ. Peter Wurm, the party's consumer protection spokesman, labelled the EU's proposal as an "attack by the EU bureaucracy," warning that it could lead to a decline in hospitality businesses.
The EU's recommendation is part of a broader initiative known as the "Beating Cancer Plan," which seeks to create a tobacco-free generation by 2040. The goal is to reduce tobacco use to less than 5 percent of the population.
However, Austria's current government appears unlikely to adopt the recommendations, reflecting the country's historical resistance to tightening smoking regulations.
READ NEXT: 'Everyone smokes': The biggest culture shocks of moving to Austria
Comments