Belgium‘s Hospitality Industry Reacts to 2027 Terrace Smoking Ban
Brussels,belgium – A planned ban on smoking and vaping on the terraces of bars and restaurants in Belgium,slated for implementation before 2027,has drawn a mixed reaction from the hospitality sector. Matthias de Caluwe, CEO of Horeca Vlaanderen, the sector federation representing establishments in Flanders, expressed both relief at the delayed timeline and continued concerns regarding the practical implications of the new regulations.
De Caluwe initially described the declaration as “a dark day for the freedom of choice and the hospitality of the hospitality sector,” but acknowledged the revised implementation date – pushed back from 2026 – as a positive step. “That was way too fast for such a major measure,” he stated, adding that recent adjustments to the initial proposal have made the plans “a little more positive.”
Despite the progress, Horeca Vlaanderen maintains that notable improvements are still needed. A key concern remains the potential for hospitality businesses to be burdened with enforcement responsibilities. “We had insisted that we did not want to play a terrace agent and asked for a clear protocol outlining the responsibilities of the hospitality entrepreneur,” De caluwe emphasized. “We will continue to repeat that message.”
The federation argues that allowing individual businesses to decide whether or not to permit smoking on thier terraces would be a more sensible approach. De Caluwe highlighted the importance of outdoor spaces for patrons who smoke, notably in light of the existing indoor smoking ban. ”When the smoking ban was introduced inside, the terrace remained an option for everyone. For drinking facilities, that makes a essential difference,” he explained. “This measure risks simply pushing smokers away from establishments and onto the street.”
Horeca Flanders is now actively seeking support within the Belgian parliament, hoping to build “a coalition for freedom and hospitality” to advocate for further revisions to the legislation. While De Caluwe remained tight-lipped about specific actions the federation might take, he affirmed that all options remain on the table as they pursue further consultation and negotiation.
The new regulations also extend to the closure of dedicated smoking rooms,further tightening restrictions on tobacco use in public spaces. The debate surrounding the ban is expected to continue as the 2027 implementation date approaches.
Keywords: Belgium, smoking ban, terrace smoking, vaping, hospitality industry, Horeca Vlaanderen, Matthias de Caluwe, smoking rooms, public health, regulations.
