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Is smoking allowed on outdoor terraces in Sweden?

Where the outdoor smoking ban applies, since when and who is responsible.

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Short answer

No, smoking is not allowed on outdoor serving areas such as café, bar and pub terraces in Sweden, a ban that was introduced on 1 July 2019. The ban covers all forms of smoking, including e-cigarettes. The business that runs the serving area is generally responsible for upholding it. This topic is for adults aged 18 and over.

Planning and entry to Sweden Illustration of a shield with a check mark, a warning triangle and a police light for safety in Sweden

Why

  1. According to the Public Health Agency of Sweden (Folkhälsomyndigheten), a smoking ban was introduced on 1 July 2019 in more outdoor places, including outdoor serving areas, under the Tobacco Act (2018:2088).
  2. According to the Public Health Agency, the ban applies to all serving places that serve food or drink in business that can be consumed on the spot, such as cafés, bakeries with seating, bars and pubs.
  3. According to the Public Health Agency, the business operator is generally responsible for upholding the ban, and the municipality supervises compliance and can issue orders.

Details

The ban applies only within the serving area: if the area is fenced or marked, the fence defines it, and otherwise the placement of tables and chairs does. According to the Public Health Agency, the ban applies around the clock, every day of the week, and its guidance on terraces does not mention fines. Cafés and pubs in Stockholm are listed in cafés and canteens in Stockholm and pubs and beer gardens in Stockholm.

Tip

Look for no-smoking signs and ask the staff: the Public Health Agency says the operator should clearly signpost the ban and point smokers to a permitted area. Tobacco rules for visitors are in how much alcohol and tobacco you can bring from outside the EU.

What may differ

The same smoking ban applies at other outdoor places, such as public transport stops, fenced sports facilities, public playgrounds and entrances to public premises. Private homes are outside the ban.

Common misconception

Smoking is fine on a terrace because it is outdoors.

What actually happens

According to the Public Health Agency, outdoor serving areas have been smoke-free by law since 1 July 2019, and the ban covers all forms of smoking, including e-cigarettes.

People also ask

  • Can you smoke on a restaurant terrace in Sweden?
  • When was smoking banned on outdoor terraces in Sweden?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check the Public Health Agency of Sweden before you travel.

Planning and entry to Sweden
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