Disagreement in the EU Parliament Over Outdoor Smoking Ban
The European Parliament in Strasbourg could not agree on a common position on the planned EU recommendation for more smoke-free areas on Thursday. The vote has no direct impact, as the Parliament can only express an opinion on this issue. The recommendation, which is not binding for individual EU member states, can still be adopted by the Council (of EU member states; note) next week.
Recommendation for Smoke-Free Zones: No Agreement in EU Parliament
The original motion, introduced by conservatives, social democrats, liberals, and greens, generally welcomed the recommendations - but potential impacts on the hotel and restaurant industry needed to be given more consideration, according to the text. Several amendments from various factions were also partially accepted. However, no majority was found for the final text (motion including accepted amendments).
In mid-September, the EU Commission proposed recommending EU countries to ban smoking, especially in places where children are present - such as playgrounds, baths, schools, but also in the outdoor areas of catering establishments. In addition to expanding smoke-free zones to outdoor areas, the expansion to alternative tobacco products (e.g., electronic cigarettes, note) is also recommended. This is in response to findings that these products can also cause health damage to passive users, the Commission said in a statement at the time.
Apart from the fact that the recommendation - as the name already suggests - is not binding, it would only partially affect Austria. A smoking ban already applies in the open spaces of schools and childcare facilities, and since 2019 there have also been restrictions for covered beer gardens, commercial vehicles such as taxis and coaches, as well as private cars.
Austrian Politicians Reject Outdoor Smoking Ban
Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) expressed criticism on social media platform X: "I consider such proposals to be completely the wrong way. The EU should stop trying to regulate people's lives in the smallest detail, but should deal with the big issues such as migration and economic location. The protection for non-smokers in Austria is sufficient, there will be no outdoor smoking ban with the ÖVP," he said.
The SPÖ was also not very enthusiastic. "We have already implemented a lot in terms of non-smoker protection. I am in favour of the smoking ban in the premises, but such a ban in the beer gardens would overshoot the mark. Even if it was only about a non-binding recommendation, I have always said that there must be an end at some point. That's why I was in favour from the beginning that the outdoor areas of cafes and restaurants should be exempted," said SPÖ MEP Günther Sidl.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.