Smoke- and vape-free terraces: what changes in Belgium in 2027
The date is now set: from 1 January 2027, publicly accessible terraces in Belgium will become smoke-free. The ban will also cover electronic cigarettes. What was until recently a political proposal was adopted by the Chamber in July 2026 and included in a law of 11 August 2026.
For hospitality businesses, this is no longer a distant possibility. Restaurants, cafés and bars have a few months to adapt signage, inform their teams and explain the new rule to customers.
Exactly what changes
Until the end of 2026, smoking may still be permitted on certain terraces considered sufficiently open, subject to existing rules. From 2027, that distinction will no longer matter for publicly accessible hospitality terraces: cigarettes and vaping will be prohibited.
The measure also covers the immediate surrounding areas concerned by the new regulations, and public smoking rooms will be abolished. Electronic cigarettes are treated within the same framework as tobacco: a customer will not be able to vape at the table on the grounds that there is no combustion or ash.
What must establishments do?
Operators must display clear signs and ask anyone smoking or vaping to stop. They may be held responsible if the ban is not properly signposted, breaches are tolerated or objects clearly encourage smoking. Customers who break the rule also remain responsible for their own conduct.
Temporary exceptions may be decided locally for certain events, such as fairs, Christmas markets, festivals or street sales. This is not a general exemption for ordinary terraces.
Why include terraces?
The stated aim is to reduce exposure to smoke and make smoking less visible, particularly to children and young people. Federal figures indicate that 17.6% of the population still smoke, and 12.8% smoke daily. Electronic cigarette use has also become established, with a marked presence among younger people.
On a restaurant terrace, smoke does not stop at the edge of a table. It travels with the wind, reaches neighbouring customers and sometimes drifts indoors. The new law provides one rule where open, semi-open or covered layouts often led to discussion.
What impact on the restaurant experience?
For many customers, the measure promises a more comfortable terrace: no smoke during the meal, less smell on clothing and greater continuity between inside and outside. Smokers and vapers will need to leave the terrace and move far enough away before using their product.
Restaurateurs will need to manage a period of adjustment. Signs visible on arrival, a simple message for group bookings and shared instructions for the whole team will avoid most conflicts. Removing ashtrays from tables will also send a tangible signal, although practical arrangements will need to follow final official information.
A national rule, a local transition
The measure's success will depend less on a punitive tone than on a rule everyone understands. By clearly announcing the date and applying it equally to every table, hospitality businesses can turn a regulatory requirement into a visible improvement in their welcome.
Sources
Federal Minister of Health — Ban from 1 January 2027: https://vandenbroucke.belgium.be/fr/actualites/interdiction-de-fumer-et-de-vapoter-en-terrasse-partir-du-1er-janvier-2027
Chamber of Representatives — Legislative file 56K1619: https://www.lachambre.be/kvvcr/showpage.cfm?cfm=%2Fsite%2Fwwwcfm%2Fflwb%2Fflwbn.cfm%3Flegislat%3D56&dossierID=1619&language=fr§ion=%2Fflwb
Federal Government news: https://news.belgium.be/fr/interdiction-de-fumer-dans-certains-lieux
