The state parliament of Baden-Württemberg has passed a revised version of its 2007 non-smoking law, aiming to significantly improve protection for non-smokers, particularly children and youth. Proposed by the Green-Black coalition government, the stricter regulations are set to take effect over the coming months, reshaping public behavior in outdoor recreational spaces.
Under the new legislation, smoking is banned in several highly frequented outdoor areas. This includes children’s playgrounds, outdoor swimming pools, amusement parks, zoos, and public transport stops. Additionally, designated smoking areas in schoolyards and smoking rooms within government buildings will be completely abolished.
Crucially, the law now treats e-cigarettes, vapes, and hookahs the same as traditional tobacco products. Even if these devices are used without tobacco, nicotine, or cannabis, they are banned in restricted areas. Lawmakers noted that the process of heating and vaporizing these substances still releases potentially harmful emissions into the air.
The practical application of the law is already being felt at outdoor swimming pools. Although the state mandate officially begins on June 1, many operators chose to implement the rules at the start of the bathing season on May 1. Because enforcing a total ban on large sunbathing lawns is difficult, local pools are adopting different approaches:
- Heilbronn (Neckarhalde): Operators have set up designated smoking zones, particularly near the children’s pool, to keep smoke away from families. Lifeguards and security personnel monitor compliance, which also helps curb the massive litter of discarded cigarette butts.
- Bad Rappenau: This facility features color-coded zones where smoking is permitted, while keeping the kiosk and pool edges strictly smoke-free.
- Wertheim: Due to the vast size of its sunbathing lawn, Wertheim continues to allow smoking on the grass but strictly prohibits it immediately surrounding the swimming pools.
In contrast, natural bathing lakes are currently exempt from these strict state-wide smoking bans. At locations like Breitenauer See, only existing restrictions on cannabis and shisha consumption remain in place.
