Excitement over the extension of the smoking ban to pub gardens: restaurateurs are already fearful of enforcement by EU countries’ health ministers, despite initial rejection by national parliaments.
A few days ago, a majority of EU countries rejected a comprehensive open-air smoking ban being considered or recommended by the Union. The Ministers of Health of the Member States will speak on Tuesday, December 3 at 10 a.m. Voting in the EU Council.
It is the turn of a green minister again
Once again a Green minister is involved – like Leonore Gewessler recently during the renaturation, when the climate minister voted for it, contrary to the line of her government partner ÖVP. Then it was about voting on a law. Now Health Minister Johannes Rauch is being asked. He could have a say in restricting tobacco and nicotine products.
This measure would ban smoking, as well as the consumption of e-cigarettes and so-called tobacco heaters, in all outdoor areas of restaurants, such as bar gardens. Dozens of restaurant owners are now sounding the alarm. And reported to the “Krone” via the Chamber of Commerce (cross-party). They fear there will still be plenty of time to extend the smoking ban to outdoor dining areas. And that if health ministers decide in favor of the recommendation, it could one day become law.
Tension before the vote
With the exception of the Greens, all other Austrian parties have already expressed their opposition to this EU idea, including ÖVP Chancellor Karl Nehammer. The protection for non-smokers in Austria is sufficient; with the ÖVP there will be no ban on smoking outdoors. Approval also comes from the SPÖ, among others. Rauch, on the other hand, at least gave his approval to the idea in the so-called ‘silent procedure’, the preparatory work of the committee. It will be interesting to see the decision in the EU Council.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
