Belgium - As of January 1, 2025, Belgium will enforce a nationwide smoking ban in all amusement parks, zoos, children’s farms, and playgrounds.
This initiative, part of the federal government’s comprehensive anti-tobacco strategy, aims to reduce public smoking and protect visitors from secondhand smoke in family-oriented environments.
Scope of the Ban
The prohibition encompasses traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices. While smoking will be forbidden in general areas, designated smoking zones that meet specific criteria will be permitted. These zones must be clearly marked, situated out of public view, and designed to prevent smoke from affecting non-smoking areas. Additionally, they should not be located in passageways or areas with significant foot traffic.
Enforcement and Penalties
Compliance will be monitored by the Federal Public Service (FPS) Health’se. Violations can result in fines ranging from €208 to €8,000 for both individuals and park operators. Repeated infractions may lead to the temporary closure of the offending establishment.
Background and Implementation Timeline
The move to ban smoking in open-air public spaces frequentedeen in development since December 2022, when Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke announced plans to extend existing smoking prohibitions. The objective is to create a smoke-free generation by reducing the visibility and accessibility of smoking in public spaces.
Some attractions, such as Zoo Antwerpen and Zoo Planckendael, implemented smoking bans as early as 2016. In 2023, Plopsaland De Panne and Plopsa Coo Ardennes followed suit, with Walibi Belgium, Bellewaerde Park, and Pairi Daiza joining in 2024. However, parks like Bobbejaanland, Boudewijn Seapark, Monde Sauvage, Pakawi Park, Mini-Europe, and Familiepark Harry Malter had not yet established comprehensive smoking bans and will need to adjust their policies to comply with the new regulations.
Exemptions and Future Considerations
The current legislation does not extend to fairgrounds or parking areas of amusement parks and zoos, unless operators choose to enforce their own bans in these spaces. Additionally, the oring the possibility of introducing smoking bans near schools and hospital entrances to further protect public health.
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