Germany's politicians are pushing for a ban on smoking outdoors - France as a role model!

Germany's politicians are pushing for a ban on smoking outdoors - France as a role model!

In Germany, the topic of smoking bans is once again in focus, particularly triggered by the new laws in France, which will create a comprehensive prohibition framework in public places such as parks, schools and sports facilities from July. Political actors from the SPD and the Greens are calling for a similar regulation in Germany to protect children in particular from the dangers of passive smoking. Dagmar Schmidt from the SPD describes the French model as courageous and would like to see stricter measures taken to avoid smoking in this country too. This demand is also supported by Janosch Dahmen from the Green Party, who emphasizes that a smoke-free environment for children is absolutely necessary and that the health risks of tobacco products and their consequences for society cannot be ignored. As Welt reports, higher tobacco taxes and sales bans outside licensed shops are also part of the proposed measures.

On the other hand, Federal Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) makes it clear that traditional tobacco consumption is not the only thing on the political agenda. She emphasizes that the use of e-cigarettes and vapes also urgently needs to be regulated, as these are often perceived as less harmful, but pose health risks that are too often underestimated. Warken calls for countries to place greater restrictions on the consumption of e-cigarettes. In their opinion, these products are potentially more dangerous than many people think and, above all, should not be allowed into the hands of children. Tagesschau reports on concerns that e-cigarettes act as an introduction to smoking and can lead to addiction.

Uniform regulations and responsible prevention

The German Cancer Aid has called on the federal government to invest more in prevention, especially with a view to World No Tobacco Day. Tobacco consumption is the largest preventable cancer risk factor, with an estimated 80 percent of lung cancer cases in Germany currently being caused by smoking. At least 127,000 people die every year as a result of tobacco consumption. A smoking ban in playgrounds and educational institutions is therefore also called for, as Germany is generally considered to be at the bottom of the list in Europe when it comes to tobacco prevention. Tagesschau refers to the alarming statistics and the urgent need for action in this area.

Another focus is on the fact that the federal government is currently only responsible for federally owned facilities and public transport when it comes to non-smoker protection. The states must make their own regulations for all other areas such as restaurants, schools and universities. This current distribution of responsibilities could soon be put to the test in the debate about more comprehensive smoking bans, because health protection, especially of the younger generation, must be a central consideration here.

The EU also recently recommended that smoking bans also be examined outdoors. The WHO has also raised concerns about flavored nicotine products, which primarily appeal to young people. As the number of users among minors increases, the WHO warns that progress in tobacco control could be jeopardized. Currently, 12.5 percent of minors in the WHO European Region use e-cigarettes, while the proportion of adults is only 2 percent. Concerns about the health of young people are therefore more than justified and should be given the highest priority.

The current developments surrounding the topic of smoking bans clearly show that there is an acute need for action. With the right legal framework, Germany could perhaps catch up and become a real pioneer in non-smoker protection.