These 12 Countries Prohibit Smoking in Public Areas

3 weeks ago 13

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Member of the Indonesian House of Commission VI, Nasim Khan, proposed to PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) to reintroduce a special smoking carriage for long-distance train services. He argued that the existence of a special smoking carriage not only provides comfort but also has the potential to increase revenue for KAI.

The proposal was made by Nasim Khan during a consultation with the President Director of PT KAI, Bobby Rasyidin, at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. He mentioned that a similar carriage had existed before but was later abolished.

Nasim stated that his proposal is the aspiration of the public, especially from East Java, his electoral district. "This is an aspiration, Pak. East Java has the most of this. All, throughout Java, this is the most. It's pitiful, Pak. It's a matter of humanity that can be accepted like that," Nasim said.

While Nasim suggested a special carriage, several countries have been banning smoking in public places. On July 1, 2025, France implemented a wider ban on smoking. Public areas such as beaches, forests, parks, and around schools are prohibited from smoking.

This move marks a growing global trend. As reported by Gulf News, governments on various continents are tightening smoking regulations in public spaces to protect public health, reduce exposure to cigarette smoke, and decrease smoking rates, especially among young people.

The world is moving towards a smoke-free future, from pioneering countries such as Ireland and Singapore to newer adopters such as France and Thailand. The countries listed below have implemented smoking bans in public places. Each entry includes a brief description of what the ban covers.

1. France

Effective July 1, 2025, France's new regulation will prohibit smoking in open public spaces, including parks, beaches, forests, and areas near schools. This regulation continues the previous ban on smoking in restaurants, bars, and public transportation. The government also cracks down on single-use electronic cigarettes and aims to create tobacco-free zones nationwide. This move marks a cultural shift in a country that was once synonymous with cigarettes in cafes and smoking in public areas.

2. United Kingdom

The UK banned smoking in enclosed public spaces in 2007, starting in the UK and soon extending to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The ban covers pubs, restaurants, offices, and public transportation. Many local councils have taken it a step further by prohibiting smoking near hospitals, playgrounds, and school entrances. There is currently a discussion about proposals to raise the legal smoking age to effectively halt tobacco sales.

3. Australia

Australia has some of the strictest tobacco laws in the world. Although the ban on smoking in public places initially started indoors, all states and territories now also ban smoking in many outdoor areas, including beaches, bus stops, outdoor dining areas, and near children's playgrounds. Australia also introduced plain packaging for cigarettes and continues to raise tobacco taxes to reduce smoking habits.

4. New Zealand

The smoke-free journey in New Zealand began with the ban in indoor public spaces in 2004, but it has since expanded widely. Smoking is now prohibited in many outdoor areas, including school grounds, parks, and sports venues. Although the new government later repealed the law, the government had announced plans to implement a cross-generational tobacco ban. Smoking in public places is still highly restricted, and the country remains committed to achieving a smoke-free future.

5. Canada

Smoking bans in Canada vary by province, but the trend strongly supports smoke-free environments. Bans generally apply to public spaces and enclosed workplaces. Most provinces also restrict smoking within a certain distance from building entrances, on patios, and in parks or playgrounds. Some cities, such as Vancouver and Toronto, have implemented stricter enforcement measures. Canada also has strict regulations regarding vaping in public places.

6. Ireland

Ireland made global headlines in 2004 when it became the first country to fully enforce a smoking ban in enclosed workplaces, including pubs and restaurants. This law was groundbreaking and paved the way for similar laws worldwide. Since then, Ireland has implemented a smoking ban near schools and playgrounds and actively seeks to normalize non-smoking among teenagers. Compliance remains high thanks to strong public support.

7. Singapore

Singapore is known for its strict public health and cleanliness laws, and smoking is no exception. Smoking is prohibited in nearly all public places-both indoors and outdoors, including hawker centers, bus stops, common corridors, parks, and even designated smoking areas in the vicinity. Offenders will face heavy fines. The government strictly enforces this law, and new tobacco control measures are frequently added.

8. Norway

Norway banned smoking in bars and restaurants in 2004 and has since expanded restrictions to include schools, hospitals, and most public buildings. Smoking is also banned in private vehicles carrying children. Public support for smoking bans in outdoor areas such as parks and sports arenas is increasing. Norway also has strict regulations on tobacco packaging and promotes smoking cessation programs.

9. India

India banned smoking in public places in 2008 under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). This ban includes public transportation, cinemas, restaurants, and workplaces. In many states and cities, local governments have added outdoor restrictions, such as in parks and train stations. Due to the population size, law enforcement remains a challenge, though anti-smoking awareness has sharply increased in recent years.

10. South Africa

South Africa has had a ban on smoking in public places since the early 2000s. This ban covers indoor public spaces, restaurants, and public transportation. Smoking is also prohibited within a certain distance from entrances, and inside cars carrying passengers under the age of 12. The government is now considering stricter tobacco control measures, including plain packaging and tighter vaping laws.

11. United States

Although there is no federal smoking ban in the U.S., most states have implemented bans in indoor public spaces such as offices, restaurants, and bars. Cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Boston have enacted outdoor smoking bans in areas such as parks, beaches, and the vicinity of schools. Smoking in public housing has also been banned through federal orders. Anti-smoking laws are now being expanded to include vaping in many jurisdictions.

12. Thailand

Thailand has implemented strict anti-smoking regulations over the past decade. Smoking is banned in most indoor public places, including restaurants, bars, and airports. Additionally, the country has banned smoking on many beaches to protect the environment. Enforcement includes on-the-spot fines, and tourists are often reminded of these rules. Thailand restricts advertising and bans electronic cigarettes entirely.