Small bars to lose smoking exemption

Bars and restaurants will all have to comply with the smoking ban after Parliament voted with a majority of 76 against 70. This means that small bars who have been able to hold out up to now, will also be removing ashtrays from tables.

Previously, there was an exception to the smoking ban that allowed small bars with no personnel and where the owner is behind the bar to decide for themselves whether or not they wanted to allow smoking inside. These establishments do not have staff to protect from the dangers of second-hand smoke.

The PVV, the SP and the VVD voted against the smoking ban for small bars. All other parties were for the ruling.

The Senate must still go over the smoking ban. Opposers of the ban do not have a majority in Senate, so the ban will likely go through for all public establishments.