After the ban on smoking on board, in force since 2004, the entire Belgian railway sector will become non-smoking from January 1, 2023, the SNCB announced on Monday in a press release. From then on, it will be forbidden to smoke or vape in the entire station, including in the open air.
Some habits will have to change before boarding the train. “It’s outside so I don’t see why we can’t“, says a commuter. “It’ll be boring for smokers but it’s good for non-smokers“says another.
It is an extension of the 2004 law which prohibited smoking on trains. It was desired by the SNCB. “For health reasons“, indicates Élisa Roux, spokesperson. “But also cleanliness and clarity are the rule. Because travelers did not always know on which platform they might smoke.“
550 stations
This measure concerns the 550 Belgian stations and pursues three very specific objectives: health, cleanliness and clarity. Indeed, according to the SNCB, a tobacco-free environment protects passengers and railway staff from its harmful effects. It also avoids the throwing of cigarette butts and the inherent cleaning involved, which is as complex as it is costly.
Finally, it must also facilitate the understanding of the law when it applies to the entire railway sector. Nearly 7 out of 10 travelers say they are in favor of this change and two tests, carried out in Mechelen in November 2021 and in Charleroi in May 2022, showed that this measure was well received and respected.
Tobacco is the cause of some 14,000 deaths in Belgium each year, said Federal Minister for Mobility Georges Gilkinet. “This must mobilize us”, said Deputy Prime Minister Ecolo, believing that this measure “will allow healthier air on the docks and which, above all, will reduce the influence on young people and those who have quit or wish to quit smoking”. Fines, the amounts of which will vary according to the number of offenses (50, 75 or 150 euros), may be imposed in the event of non-compliance.
