Towards a ban on smoking in German stadiums

The debate over a smoking ban in football stadiums in Germany is gaining momentum. The "Pro Rauchfrei" initiative[1] calls for a general ban on smoking in all sports venues in the country: It highlights both the dangers of passive smoking and the ineffectiveness of current measures to protect non-smokers[2].

Urgent need to protect non-smokers

According to "Pro Rauchfrei", it is imperative to protect non-smoking spectators, especially children, from the harmful effects of passive smoking. Burning tobacco releases more than 5,000 substances, many of which are carcinogenic and toxic to fertility.[3]. Currently, only six Bundesliga clubs, including Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, completely ban smoking in their stadiums. In the majority of other stadiums, smoking remains permitted, exposing non-smokers as well as smokers to the dangers of toxic products contained in second-hand smoke.

Stadiums: places particularly at risk

Stadiums, with their closed structure and crowded stands, create an environment where tobacco smoke circulates poorly. Due to the roofs covering many stands, tobacco cannot escape properly, increasing the exposure of spectators. "Pro Rauchfrei" believes that this situation is comparable to that of bars where smoking is still permitted, and in which the air quality is very poor. In these conditions, prolonged exposure to smoke could lead to serious health risks, such as cancer over time or cardiovascular diseases for short periods of exposure.

The example to follow: the English Premier League

While the Bundesliga is only just beginning discussions on the subject, the English Premier League has already taken this step. All Premier League stadiums are completely smoke-free, and offenders can be punished with a stadium ban. This example shows that it is possible to better protect spectators and create a healthier environment in German stadiums.

Insufficient measures: non-smoking areas

Although some German sports venues have set up non-smoking areas, these initiatives are considered largely insufficient by associations. According to "Pro Rauchfrei", these areas do not succeed in preventing the spread of smoke, which easily diffuses between the blocks of stands, making the protection ineffective. For protection to be effective, only a total ban on smoking in stadiums could solve this problem.

A positive impact on the economic and social level

In addition to the public health benefits, a ban on smoking in stadiums could also have a positive economic impact. By banning smoking, stadiums would significantly reduce cleaning costs and reduce fire risks. In addition, employees, who are less exposed to tobacco smoke, would be less likely to develop health problems related to second-hand smoke, which could translate into fewer sick days.

A call for national legislation

"Pro Rauchfrei" insists that the issue of protecting non-smokers in stadiums should no longer be left to the discretion of clubs. The association advocates for national legislation, which would impose a complete ban on smoking in all stadiums in Germany. Such a measure would guarantee equal protection for all spectators, and would prevent families from being exposed to avoidable danger when attending football matches.

©Generation Without Tobacco

RK

[1] https://pro-rauchfrei.de/en/about-us/

[2] https://pro-rauchfrei.de/wir-helfen/rauchfreie-stadien/ https://www.spiegel.de/sport/fussball/fussball-bundesliga-initiative-pro-rauchfrei-fordert-rauchverbot-in-allen-fussballstadien-a-8f71eef2-9adb-4eff-99e4-022db599027c (accessed 08/10/2024)

[3] https://pro-rauchfrei.de/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Gesetzliche-Regelung-fr-Stadien.pdf