Smoking In Austria: Is It Prohibited?

Smoking in Austria has been prohibited since 1 November 2019, when the country introduced a total ban on smoking in bars and restaurants. Before this, designated indoor smoking areas were permitted in larger establishments, and smaller establishments could allow smoking throughout. The ban was introduced after a decade-long debate, with 25% of Austria's 8.8 million inhabitants smoking, exceeding the European average of 18%.

Smoking is banned in public transport, pubs, bars, and restaurants

Smoking is banned in Austria on public transport, in pubs, bars, and restaurants. The country, which was once known as the "ashtray of Europe", has implemented this ban to bring itself in line with most other European nations.

Before the ban, smoking was permitted in bars and restaurants larger than 50 square meters, as long as it was done in a separate area. In smaller establishments, no separate area was necessary if the owner allowed smoking on the premises. However, many restaurants and cafes had already banned smoking of their own accord before the law changed.

The indoor smoking ban came into effect on November 1, 2019, after lawmakers approved the move in July of the same year. This ban applies to all establishments, including shisha and electronic cigarettes, and is enforced with heavy penalties. Smokers who break the ban can be fined €1,000, while owners of establishments who allow patrons to smoke can be fined €2,000, rising to €10,000 for repeat offenses.

The ban has been generally well-received, with a survey by an Austrian news magazine suggesting most Austrians are in favor of it. Some bar and nightclub owners have complained about a loss of customers and turnover since the ban was implemented, but others have noticed no drop in numbers and believe people will return.

It is illegal to smoke in your car if any occupant is under 18

Smoking is banned in most public places in Austria, including public transport, pubs, bars, and restaurants. It is also illegal to smoke in your own car when any occupant is under the age of 18. This law is in place to protect young people from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, which contains thousands of toxic chemicals and is a known cause of cancer.

In Austria, smoking is generally not allowed in conventional places such as schools, offices, airports, museums, hospitals, shopping malls, stores, fitness centres, theatres, cinemas, and petrol stations. There are, however, some rare exceptions, such as dedicated smoking rooms in workplaces.

When it comes to public transport, smoking is prohibited inside trains, trams, buses, and other enclosed forms of transportation, including taxis and hire cars. The smoking ban also extends to all subway stations in Vienna and railway stations across the country.

The same applies to private vehicles. Smoking is banned in enclosed private vehicles if any occupant is under the age of 18. This means that if there is a minor in the car, adults are not allowed to smoke, regardless of whether the car is moving or not.

It's important to note that the definition of a "minor" can vary, and in some countries or states, the age cutoff is 16, while in others, it is 18. However, violating this law can result in on-the-spot fines and potentially larger penalties.

Austria has an above-average percentage of smokers

Austria has gained a reputation as the "ashtray of Europe" due to its above-average percentage of smokers. With 25% of its 8.8 million inhabitants smoking, Austria exceeds the European average of 18%.

The country has been facing a decade-long controversy regarding smoking in public spaces. In 2019, Austria finally banned smoking in restaurants, bars, and cafes, bringing it in line with most other European nations. Prior to this, smoking was allowed in establishments larger than 50 square meters, as long as it was done in a separate area. Smaller venues could allow smoking without providing a separate area.

The new smoking ban has received a mixed response. While some establishments have reported a decrease in customers, others, like the renowned Café Rüdigerhof in Vienna, have seen their regular guests return and adjust to the new rules. The ban is generally well-received by employees in the hospitality sector, who are now less exposed to passive smoking.

Austria's smoking ban includes shishas and electronic cigarettes, and it is enforced with heavy penalties. Smokers who violate the ban face fines of €1,000, while owners of establishments who allow patrons to smoke are fined €2,000, increasing to €10,000 for repeat offenses.

Despite the new regulations, Austria still has an above-average percentage of smokers, and it will take continued efforts to reduce smoking prevalence further.

The ban is enforced with heavy fines

Austria has implemented a smoking ban in bars, restaurants, and cafes. The ban came into effect on November 1, 2019, and is enforced with heavy fines to ensure compliance.

The indoor smoking ban was approved by lawmakers in July 2019, with only members of the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) opposing it. Before the ban, smoking was allowed in establishments larger than 50 square meters if done in a separate area, and in smaller places with no separate area if the owner permitted it. However, the rule was not always strictly followed.

The smoking ban in Austria includes cigarettes, shishas, and electronic cigarettes. Smokers who violate the ban face fines of €1,000 ($1,115), while owners of establishments who allow patrons to smoke are fined $2,000 for the first offense, increasing to €10,000 for repeat offenses. These penalties serve as a strong deterrent and encourage compliance with the ban.

The enforcement of the ban with heavy fines sends a clear message that Austria is committed to creating smoke-free environments and improving public health. The fines are designed to be a significant financial burden, discouraging people from breaking the rules. This approach is similar to other countries with strict smoking bans, such as Ireland, the UK, Greece, Bulgaria, Malta, Spain, and Hungary, which have also implemented comprehensive smoke-free laws.

The heavy fines for violating the smoking ban in Austria demonstrate the country's determination to enforce the new law and promote a culture of health and well-being for its citizens and visitors alike.

The ban was introduced after a decade-long debate

Smoking in Austria was once a highly debated topic. The country had been dubbed the "ashtray of Europe" due to its above-average percentage of smokers, with 20-25% of its 8.8 million inhabitants smoking daily, compared to an 18% average in other EU nations.

The debate around implementing a smoking ban in Austria had been ongoing for over a decade, with the far-right Freedom Party, formerly led by a keen smoker, opposing any measures to restrict smoking. In 2017, the Freedom Party blocked an attempt to ban smoking in pubs and restaurants when it entered the government. This prompted a strong backlash, with a petition in favour of the ban gaining almost 900,000 signatures, or around 14% of voters.

However, in May 2019, the Freedom Party left the government amid a corruption scandal, and the proposal for a smoking ban was brought back to parliament. In July 2019, parliamentarians approved the ban, and it came into force on November 1st of that year.

The new law prohibits smoking in all bars and restaurants, regardless of size, and includes shishas and electronic cigarettes. It is now illegal to smoke inside any pub, bar, or restaurant in Austria, and the ban is enforced with heavy penalties. This brings Austria's laws in line with most other European nations and is expected to improve public health and reduce passive smoking.

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