Some 66% of the population support a ban on smoking in cafés, bars and restaurants and 53% would like to see a ban introduced in the short term, according to a TNS Nipo poll. But one-third think there should be no limits on smoking in public places.

The new cabinet’s plans include phasing out smoking in cafés and bars by 2011. Catering unions have called for a speedier ban because of the risk to staff from passive smoking.
The catering industry and health ministry signed a covenant in 2005 on reducing smoking and the nuisance caused by smokers. So far the industry has failed to meet its targets, something the ministry describes as ‘very disappointing’. Some restaurants have separate smoking areas, but there are very few eating establishments in the Netherlands where smoking is banned altogether.
Around 30% of the Dutch population smoke.