Ban on bar smoking rooms will increase nuisance for neighbours, owners say

The decision to close all smoking areas in cafes and bars by 2020 will lead to increased noise and other problems for locals, according to the Dutch hospitality sector body KHN.

A survey of 1,100 cafe and bar owners found that 94% expect the ban to cause problems for neighbours, as smokers go outside to have a cigarette. Four in 10 said they had no designated outdoor area where smokers could stand.

KHN chairman Robèr Willemsen said in a statement that he will make this issue quite clear to junior health minister Paul Blokhuis in forthcoming talks.

‘The government should not be sending smokers outside and then take cafe and bar owners to task if there is an increase in nuisance or complaints from neighbours,’ he said.