Germany is moving towards banning smoking in open spaces
Political figures from the SPD and Grüne parties expressed their support for imposing a comprehensive ban on smoking in public places in Germany, similar to the step recently taken by France. The French government announced a ban on smoking in public places such as parks, bus stations, schools, beaches, and sports facilities, starting in July, with the aim of protecting children from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
The Deputy Chair of the SPD parliamentary group in the parliament, Dagmar Schmidt, stated to the "Rheinische Post" that what France has done represents a courageous step and a clear message to protect health, especially children's health, and should be emulated in Germany. She added that children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful health effects of secondhand smoke, and their bodies are more sensitive than those of adults.
On his part, Janos Dahmen, the spokesperson for health policy in the Grüne party bloc, confirmed that imposing a smoking ban in public places is also necessary in Germany if the country is serious about protecting children. He called for making the daily environment for children smoke-free.
Dahmen added that this step alone is not enough, pointing out that France has made significant progress by imposing high taxes on tobacco, banning sales outside licensed specialty stores, and implementing a comprehensive ban on tobacco-related advertising and sponsorship. He emphasized that these measures are also necessary in Germany, not only to protect children but also due to the high costs borne by health insurance systems for treating diseases caused by smoking, which exceed 30 billion euros annually.
For her part, German Health Minister Nina Ferkel (CDU) called on the German states to expand the protection of non-smokers to include electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. She explained that these products contain harmful substances and are often a gateway to nicotine addiction. She emphasized the need for strict measures to protect children and adolescents.
The minister pointed out that the federal government has already included e-cigarettes and vaping devices in the federal smoking ban law, but it now requires states to take the same steps, especially since they are responsible for regulating places such as restaurants, schools, universities, and hospitals.