Starting January 1, 2027, Belgium will enforce stricter anti-tobacco regulations, prohibiting smoking and vaping on the terraces of cafes and restaurants. Additionally, designated smoking rooms in establishments, airports, and shisha bars will be eliminated. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke announced these measures as part of a broader strategy to safeguard public health and limit children's exposure to passive smoke.
"Our goal is to protect people's health and create a healthy environment for everyone," Vandenbroucke stated. "We want to prevent children and adults from being exposed to passive smoke and reduce the incentive to smoke. Seeing smoking encourages smoking." Despite a gradual decline in smoking rates—falling to 17.6% of the population in 2025 from 19.4% in 2018—tobacco remains a leading cause of death in Belgium, claiming nearly two lives every hour.
These upcoming restrictions build upon existing laws. Since January 1, 2025, smoking bans have already expanded to amusement parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and areas within 10 meters of healthcare centers, schools, and libraries. The Minister also plans to propose a ban on flavored e-cigarettes, allowing only tobacco flavor, to further protect youth and prevent addiction.
