Implementation of Smoking Restriction in Cluj-Napoca's Parks, Bus Stops, and Sports Venues
Cluj-Napoca, a city in Romania, has joined the ranks of European cities taking action to improve public health by implementing a smoking ban in public spaces. The regulation, approved by the Local Council, came into effect on Wednesday, August 13.
The ban applies to traditional cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and electronic cigarettes. Smoking is strictly prohibited outside of designated areas in bus stations, parks, and municipal sports facilities. Offenders risk fines ranging between RON 100 and 500.
The measure is part of a broader trend among European cities to improve air quality and public health. Cluj-Napoca mayor Emil Boc made a statement about the smoking ban, saying "Cluj breathes cleaner air starting today!"
The ban in Cluj-Napoca is similar to the one in Milan, Italy, which has imposed one of the strictest anti-smoking laws in the country since January 1, 2025. Smoking is banned in nearly all public spaces, including streets, with fines ranging from 40 to 240 euros. Smokers can only smoke in isolated areas maintaining at least 10 meters distance from others.
France has also implemented a smoking ban in most outdoor public areas accessible to children, such as beaches, parks, public gardens, bus stops, and sports venues. The fine for violating this ban is up to 135 euros.
Clearly marked designated smoking areas have been established within parks and sports grounds in Cluj-Napoca. Exceptions to the smoking ban will be made for officially approved public outdoor events, where smoking may be allowed under specific conditions set by authorities.
The City Hall announced the fines for offenders, but no new information about the date the regulation was approved by the Local Council was provided. The statement emphasizes the measure as an initiative about respect and public health.
The source of the photo used in the article is Facebook/Primaria Cluj-Napoca. With this decision, Cluj-Napoca joins a growing number of European cities taking stronger action to limit exposure to secondhand smoke in public spaces.
[1] La Repubblica [2] BBC News [3] Le Figaro [4] Euronews [5] Gov.ro
The ban in Cluj-Napoca extends to traditional cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and electronic cigarettes, aligning with the city's commitment towards health-and-wellness and cleaner air. This initiative is part of a broader European trend, reflecting science's growing recognition of the detrimental effects of secondhand smoke on public health.
