The Cluj-Napoca Local Council approved a resolution on May 12, 2025, banning smoking and vaping in major outdoor public spaces. This decision makes Cluj-Napoca the first Romanian city to restrict outdoor smoking, aiming to protect public health and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke in high-traffic areas.
Banned Locations and Exceptions
The new regulation prohibits smoking and the use of electronic smoking devices in specific outdoor areas:
- Public transport stations
- All public parks within Cluj-Napoca
- Sports fields and athletic facilities
The municipality is responsible for installing clear signage to mark smoke-free zones and designated smoking areas. Officially approved outdoor events are exempt from the blanket ban, though organizers must establish restricted smoking zones for attendees.
Fines and Local Enforcement
The Cluj-Napoca Local Police will enforce the new rules. Individuals caught violating the ban face fines ranging from RON 100 to RON 500 (approximately EUR 20 to EUR 100).
Local councilor Aurelia Cristea, who authored Romania’s 2016 indoor smoking ban, proposed extending the restrictions to areas near public institution entrances. However, the city’s legal department noted that such extensions fall under national jurisdiction rather than local council authority.
Context of the Decision
Cluj-Napoca’s policy aligns with a broader European trend of cities restricting tobacco exposure, particularly for children and young people. Currently, Romania’s smoking rate stands between 27.5% and 34% of the population, following years of steady decline.
