Belgium is on the brink of a significant shift in its smoking regulations as the country gears up to outlaw disposable vapes. The move has sparked discussions across Europe, with Belgium urging the European Commission to consider similar measures.
“This ban is not just about health but also environmental concerns,”
emphasized Frank Vandenbroucke, Belgium’s health minister, shedding light on the rationale behind the impending prohibition. Effective immediately, the sale of disposable e-cigarettes will be prohibited under the new regulations set to take effect this week.
The scope of these new rules extends beyond just banning disposable vapes; they also encompass restrictions on smoking in various public spaces. Areas such as sports venues, zoos, playgrounds, schools, and hospitals will now be designated as no-smoking zones. This holistic approach aims to create healthier environments for all citizens while tackling both individual well-being and broader environmental sustainability goals.
Vandenbroucke highlighted that Belgium’s initiative marks a pioneering step within Europe regarding disposable vape bans. However, this trend is not isolated to Belgium alone — Australia has already restricted vape sales exclusively to pharmacies, and the United Kingdom is slated to prohibit single-use vapes by June 2025.
Expressing aspirations for more extensive reforms beyond national borders,
“We are really calling on the European Commission to come forward now with new initiatives to update, modernize tobacco legislation,”
Vandenbroucke urged. In alignment with this plea for action at the EU level, a coalition of 12 member countries including economic powerhouses like France and Germany had earlier pressed the Commission to expedite long-awaited smoking regulatory changes.
Despite these stringent measures against disposable vapes,
“Reusable vapes remain permissible under our revised laws,”
clarified Vandenbroucke. He highlighted their potential benefits as aids for individuals striving to quit smoking. Steven Pomeranc, proprietor of Brussels’ renowned Vapotheque shop,
“I believe that sales won’t suffer much impact since rechargeable vapes offer an alternative.”
In essence, Belgium’s imminent ban on disposable vapes serves as a pivotal moment in reshaping smoking norms within its borders and catalyzing broader discussions around enhanced tobacco control policies throughout Europe.
Leave feedback about this