Malta: Supports extension of smoking bans

Twenty years after the introduction of a smoking ban in bars and restaurants in Malta, a recent Eurobarometer poll reveals overwhelming public support for extending the ban to outdoor public spaces such as parks, beaches and places where people gather.

Early ban on smoking in public places

The initial ban on smoking in bars and restaurants in Malta was introduced in 2004. At that time, the measure already enjoyed broad public support and was passed despite opposition from the hospitality and catering sector.[1]. The latter, generally linked to the tobacco industry, feared that the measure would have economic repercussions on the activity of the establishments. But 80% of the population supported the measure, whether people were non-smokers or smokers.

Like other countries that initially adopted this ban in indoor areas, the population has asked over the years for the extension measure to be extended to outdoor public areas.[2]

Popular support and the stakes of the measure

According to the Eurobarometer survey conducted on 5 June 2023, 73% of Maltese support an extension of the smoking ban. This proportion is higher than the European average of 56%.

Massive support for extending smoking bans

While the Maltese support the extension of smoking bans, they also stress that the ban already in place needs better enforcement. Indeed, an overwhelming majority (92%) report having been exposed to passive smoking in public places outdoors. This proportion is significantly higher than the EU average (69%).

The challenge of these smoking ban measures is all the more important given the worsening trend in smoking prevalence in the country. The latest prevalence survey in 2023 indicated that around 22% of the Maltese population smoke, while 3% use e-cigarettes, figures slightly lower than the EU average. However, the percentage of smokers has increased by 2 percentage points compared to the previous year, highlighting the particularly worrying progression of the tobacco epidemic in the country.

DT

©Generation Without Tobacco

[1] James Debono, 73% of Maltese wants smoking ban in open-air places, MaltaToday, published 29 June 2024, accessed 5 July 2024

[2] James Debono, 73% of Maltese wants smoking ban in open-air places, MaltaToday, published 29 June 2024, accessed 5 July 2024