ROME – Italy is set to introduce a ban on smoking in open-air settings, according to reports by La Stampa newspaper. The new decree, which follows the 20-year ban on smoking indoors, will cover outdoor areas such as bars, bus stops, and parks where children and pregnant women are present. In addition, the ban will also include e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
The Italian association of Environmental Medicine welcomed the proposed ban, stating that vaping products are a gateway to tobacco addiction. They argued that people who start vaping at a young age are more likely to become smokers later on in life. The new regulation has been met with support from former minister Carlo Giovanardi, who was instrumental in introducing the 2003 ban on indoor smoking.
Giovanardi has argued that the new ban will provide more freedom for all, as people will still be able to smoke outdoors, but not when others are present. The new decree is expected to be enforced soon, as draft decrees have already been prepared.
The move comes as part of Italy’s efforts to reduce smoking rates and protect public health. In recent years, Italy has implemented several measures to discourage smoking, including increasing taxes on tobacco products and launching anti-smoking campaigns.
Overall, the ban on smoking in open-air areas is expected to be a positive step towards creating a healthier and smoke-free environment in Italy.
