Holzwickede Implements Nationwide First Outdoor Smoking Ban at Public Events

The small German town near Dortmund bans smoking at municipal outdoor events, citing public health concerns and EU recommendations.

Holzwickede, a town in North Rhine-Westphalia, has introduced a smoking ban at all outdoor events organized by the municipality, effective next year.
The ban applies to all types of smoking products, including traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, at events such as the Christmas market, street food festivals, and summer celebrations.
The initiative stems from a proposal by the satirical political party 'Die Partei,' aiming to protect non-smokers and minors from secondhand smoke exposure.
The town's decision aligns with recent EU recommendations encouraging expanded smoke-free zones in public spaces, though implementation details and enforcement remain under development.
This regulation positions Holzwickede as a national pioneer in outdoor smoking restrictions, potentially influencing broader discussions on public health policies in Germany and the EU.