HOTREC Questions EU Proposal to Extend Smoke-Free Regulations to Outdoor Areas

Photo source: European Commission

HOTREC is questioning whether expanding revised EU smoke-free regulations to include outdoor spaces at hospitality venues will genuinely enhance public health or merely shift smoking to other areas, potentially disrupting local communities. HOTREC serves as the umbrella association for hotels, restaurants, cafés, and similar establishments across Europe.

The association’s inquiry follows the European Commission’s recently proposed revision of the Council recommendation on smoke-free environments, which aims to better protect people from the effects of second-hand smoke and aerosols.

The new initiative recommends that Member States extend smoke-free policies to key outdoor areas to enhance protection for EU residents, particularly children and young people.

These areas include outdoor recreational spaces where children are likely to gather, such as public playgrounds, amusement parks, and swimming pools; outdoor areas connected to healthcare and education facilities; public buildings; service establishments; and transport stops and stations.

HOTREC: Potential impact for hospitality sector

Following the Commission’s announcement, HOTREC raised concerns regarding the proposed revision to the Council Recommendation on smoke-free environments.

While the association supports the goal of better protecting people across the EU from exposure to second-hand smoke and encourages smokers to quit, it expresses doubts about whether expanding the recommendation to include outdoor spaces at hospitality venues — such as terraces of restaurants, hotels, and cafés — will effectively achieve the intended health objectives.

“Instead, it could shift smoking to alternative locations, potentially causing further disruption to local communities,” HOTREC stated.

According to HOTREC, the European Commission deemed an impact assessment unnecessary.

“We believe that the social and economic repercussions of such a ban on the tourism and hospitality sector must be thoroughly evaluated before adoption,” the association added.

The European Commission’s recommendation also suggests that Member States extend smoke-free environment policies to emerging products, such as heated tobacco products (HTPs) and electronic cigarettes, which increasingly appeal to very young users. This comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted the negative effects of exposure to second-hand emissions from these products, including significant respiratory and cardiovascular problems.