Government seeks to ban smoking where children congregate

The Dutch cabinet wants to prohibit smoking at locations dominated by children, including petting zoos and after-school and other managed playgrounds.

Sources told broadcaster NOS the proposed ban will be discussed at Friday’s Council of Ministers.

While most such places are already smoke-free, the government wants to ensure that the remaining few ban smoking. The House of Representatives also supports the ban and wanted to extend it to other kid-friendly locations like zoos and amusement parks.

That may come in the future, along with bans at unattended playgrounds and outdoor swimming pools, but for now, the government will focus on managed playgrounds and day care centres where there is wide support for the plan.

The ban is part of the government’s efforts to have a smoke-free generation by 2040. Measures already in place include a display ban, unattractive packaging and fewer locations to purchase cigarettes.