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Bavaria Moves to Classify Vapes Like Tobacco Under Public Smoking Law

CSU leaders cast the plan as a child‑health measure closing a loophole in existing bans.

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Overview

  • The CSU parliamentary group says it is finalizing a Landtag motion to amend the Health Protection Act and treat e‑cigarettes, vapes and heated tobacco like conventional smoking.
  • The initiative is described as coordinated with the Bavarian Health Ministry, but it has not yet been tabled or enacted.
  • Applying equivalence would extend existing prohibitions in public buildings, schools, hospitals, sports venues, restaurants and airports to these devices, whereas cannabis vapor is already treated like smoking.
  • CSU figures Klaus Holetschek and Bernhard Seidenath argue the move protects children and bystanders, citing harmful aerosols and addiction risks.
  • Key details remain unresolved, including how shisha bars would be handled, while Greens in the Landtag voice support and similar state‑level proposals are reportedly being prepared elsewhere in Germany.