Smoked out

It has been 12 years since the smoking ban for the hospitality industry was introduced in the Netherlands. Since then, smoking rooms in cafes and restaurants shot up like mushrooms. Since the Supreme Court ruling of Sept. 27, 2019, these special smoking rooms are no longer allowed either.

National Prevention Agreement

Lockable smoking rooms are still common in public buildings, such as hospitals, concert halls and airports. To further reduce smoking and the associated health damage, the National Prevention Agreement was signed on November 23, 2018. It aims to close all smoking rooms in the (semi-)public sectors and public buildings by July 1, 2021.

Smoking ban in the workplace

By Jan. 1, 2022, all smoking areas in business must be closed. Thus, the ban on smoking in the workplace continues to expand. Although the legislation is still in the works, as business owner , you can already make preparations to close all smoking areas during the next year. Note that the smoking ban applies not only to the traditional cigarette or cigar, but also to all other forms of tobacco and the e-cigarette with or without nicotine. This has been established since July 1, 2020.

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) enforces these regulations. If you smoke somewhere where it is not allowed, the NVWA has the authority to impose fines.

If you want to contribute to the health of your employees and have a focus on sustainable employability, then closing your company's smoking area may be on the agenda for next year.