German State Expands Public Smoking Ban

Germany’s Baden-Württemberg state has introduced sweeping new anti-smoking measures, expanding restrictions on smoking and vaping in a range of public spaces from June.

Under the new rules, smoking is now banned at outdoor swimming pools, with operators allowed to designate limited smoking areas provided they do not affect other visitors. The restrictions also apply to playgrounds, bus and tram stops, and areas frequented by children.

Theme parks and zoos may continue to offer designated smoking zones, while smoking areas at public transport stops have been completely prohibited.

The legislation also tightens rules for indoor venues, banning hotels from offering smoking rooms.

Meanwhile, outdoor seating areas at restaurants and pubs, football stadiums, and festival tents remain exempt, with smoking policies left to individual operators.

The measures cover traditional tobacco products as well as e-cigarettes, vapes, and e-shishas, regardless of whether they contain tobacco, nicotine, or cannabis.