The expansion of the smoking ban in Belgian hospitality is sparking debate ahead of its proposed implementation. Sector federations Horeca Vlaanderen, Horeca Wallonië, and Horeca Brussel received a briefing on the draft legislation on 2025-06-28 07:57:00, which aims to extend the smoking ban to terraces starting January 1, 2026.
- Sector federations received briefing on smoke ban
- Ban includes terraces and 10m smoke-free zones
- Horeca Vlaanderen opposes terrace smoking ban
- Calls for longer transition period requested
- Demands no terrace enforcement on operators
- Seeks legal clarity with clear signage required
This new law would introduce a general smoking prohibition on terraces, create a 10-metre smoke-free zone around these areas, and abolish smoking rooms. However, these measures have met resistance from Horeca Vlaanderen, which advocates for more flexible solutions and longer transition periods.
With the federal government pushing for swift enforcement, how will Belgian hospitality businesses adapt? And what responsibilities will fall on terrace owners and patrons? The answers lie in the ongoing discussions and proposed amendments.
Are these restrictions practical for Belgium’s vibrant café culture? Horeca Vlaanderen highlights key issues:
- Terrace operators may lack staff to monitor smoking, unlike indoor venues.
- They request exemption from enforcement if clear signage is present and no ashtrays are available.
- Alternatives like separate smoking and non-smoking terrace zones remain unaddressed.
- Calls for longer transition periods aim to ease implementation challenges.
As the legislation advances, Belgian hospitality stakeholders must engage in dialogue to balance public health goals with practical realities. Will the government consider flexible approaches, or will strict enforcement redefine terrace culture? The coming months will be crucial for shaping Belgium’s smoking policies.
