EU countries to push for ban on outdoor smoking, vaping

BRUSSELS — EU countries are poised to push for stricter anti-smoking rules on Dec 3, backing bans on smoking and vaping in many outdoor areas, including playgrounds and cafe patios.

BRUSSELS – EU countries are poised to push for stricter anti-smoking rules on Dec 3, backing bans on smoking and vaping in many outdoor areas, including playgrounds and cafe patios.

A recommendation inviting member states to crack down on second-hand smoke – and vapour – will be on the table as health ministers from the bloc's 27 nations meet in Brussels.

It is likely to be approved, according to diplomatic sources, despite political divisions on the issue – on display last week when the European Parliament voted against a similar text.

The recommendation would be non-binding as health is a competence of individual member states.

But it gives an indication of the policies that governments could pursue in the future as they seek to reduce smoke-related deaths and ailments.