Austria opposes European recommendations on expanding smoke-free areas

October 16, 2024

Par: National Committee Against Smoking

Dernière mise à jour: October 16, 2024

Temps de lecture: 4 minutes

L’Autriche s’oppose aux recommandations européennes sur l’extension des espaces sans tabac

In September 2024, the European Commission proposed to extend smoke-free places across the European Union[1]. While the proposal is not legally binding, it responds to a growing demand from public health agencies. The goal is to ban smoking in outdoor spaces frequented by children, such as playgrounds, swimming pools and restaurant terraces, in order to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke, a major public health issue.

Austria's reaction to this proposal illustrates the country's difficulties in defining a comprehensive tobacco control strategy, despite its high prevalence of tobacco use. Indeed, Austria suffers severe public health consequences, with tobacco-related mortality reaching 14,000 deaths.[2] per year, which underlines the urgency of adopting stricter measures.

Political opposition in Austria

Unlike other countries, Austria quickly rejected this recommendation. The country's various political parties, ranging from the conservative right to the social-democratic left, are unanimously opposed to these new restrictions. They believe that additional measures should not be imposed by the European Union, preferring that such decisions be a matter of national sovereignty. For them, awareness raising and education are more appropriate solutions to reduce tobacco consumption.[3]This discourse, very close to that of the tobacco industry, puts forward awareness and education as the most appropriate solutions to reduce tobacco consumption, even though smoking bans are recognized prevention measures.

Economic repercussions on the restaurant sector?

The economic impact is one of the main concerns of opponents of the expansion of smoke-free areas. Restaurant professionals fear that the ban on smoking on terraces will lead to a significant drop in turnover.[4], a position also defended by the tobacco industry. However, it has been shown that these fears are not proven: restrictions on smoking do not have a negative impact on the economy of establishments. On the contrary, they can even have positive effects in the long term, by attracting a wider clientele.

Measures already in place, but insufficient efforts

Despite its opposition to extending the bans, Austria has already taken some measures to protect non-smokers. Since 2019, covered terraces must comply with strict ventilation rules. Smoking in schools and daycare centers is also banned. These measures are often cited by Austrian politicians as evidence that the country has taken sufficient measures to limit the risks associated with passive smoking.

However, the Pro Rauchfrei association and other public health advocates argue that these efforts are not enough: In reality, ventilation is not an effective solution to passive smoking. Moreover, Austria remains one of the countries furthest behind in tobacco control, as shown by its unfavourable ranking on the European Tobacco Control Scale.[5]. Furthermore, the association points out that the objections put forward by opponents are contradicted by the experience of many countries that have adopted similar bans, such as England, which have not had a negative economic impact. The recommendations of the European Union would better protect children and non-smokers in public places, and create a healthier environment for all.

The Future of Tobacco Regulation in Austria

As Austria debates tobacco legislation, another public health issue is emerging: new tobacco products, such as nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes. These products, which are especially popular among young people, are not yet fully regulated in Austria. The Ministry of Health is currently working on amendments to the law to include these products in the regulations.

©Tobacco Free Generation

RK


[1] https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/proposal-council-recommendation-smoke-and-aerosol-free-environments_en (accessed 10/10/2024)

[2] https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/ueber-uns/news/detailseite/2018/news-im-maerz-2018/medizinerinnen-kontra-rauchen-jaehrlich-6-millionen-todesfaelle-durch-tabakkonsum-14000-in-oesterreich/ (accessed 10/11/2024)

[3] https://www.vienna.at/osterreich-lehnt-eu-empfehlung-zu-mehr-rauchfreien-zonen-ab/8995954 (accessed 10/10/2024)

[4] https://www.kronehit.at/news/rauchfrei-im-schanigarten/ (accessed 10/10/2024)

[5] https://www.tobaccocontrolscale.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/TCS-Report-2021-Interactive-V4.pdf (accessed 10/11/2024)

National Committee Against Smoking |

Ces actualités peuvent aussi vous intéresser