Smoking in Holland: Dutch Smoking Ban

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Smoking in Holland: Dutch Smoking Ban

The Netherlands implemented the Tobacco Act in 2002 which banned smoking in places of public access, government buildings and institutions. Tobacco advertising was prohibited as was the sale of cigarettes to people under the age of 18. Later prohibition was extended to ban smoking on all public transport or enclosed communal spaces serving public transport, such as waiting rooms and enclosed platforms. In 2004 rulings were introduced for a smoke-free place of work for all.

On 1 July 2008 restrictions on smoking in public places were extended in the Netherlands to restaurants and hotels, bringing it inline with much of western Europe. However, legislation applies to tobacco smoking only. The legalised smoking of cannabis in dedicated coffeeshops is not affected by the ruling. 

• See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Drugs Policy and Coffee Shops in the Netherlands

The primary objective of the smoking bans is to limit non-smokers' exposure to passive smoking in public or communal places.

It is forbidden to smoke in the following places:

• In any office building, in both private offices and communal areas (reception and board rooms, canteens, washrooms, gym and sports areas)
• On any public transport: trains, trams, ferries, buses, aeroplanes
• Anywhere on the property of schools, and colleges (indoors and outdoor grounds)
• Public spaces, shopping malls, airports 
• In hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities 
• In hotels, cafés and restaurants, fast food outlets and night clubs. Smoking is allowed in venues with a separate, enclosed, designated smoking space which are not serviced by employees.
• In coffeeshops (cafés where the sale and use of soft drugs is permitted)

Related Information

• Drugs Policy and Coffee Shops in the Netherlands
• Alcohol Laws in the Netherlands

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