Saying Goodbye to Secondhand Smoke: Portuguese Smoking Ban Goes into Effect

As a non-smoker, I couldn’t be happier. Portugal is finally getting on board with the rest of the civilized world and implementing a Portuguese smoking ban affecting closed spaces smaller than 100 m2. I mean, who really wants to inhale someone else’s toxic fumes while trying to enjoy a meal or have a drink? It’s about time that Portugal joins the ranks of other forward-thinking countries that have recognized the dangers of secondhand smoke and taken steps to protect the health of their citizens. And let’s be real, smoking is gross and makes you smell bad. Good riddance to smoky bars and restaurants. It’s about time Portugal caught up to New York, where the smoking ban has been a huge success and almost nobody in my social circles even smokes anymore. It’s a win for everyone’s health and for our sense of smell.

What Does The New Portuguese Smoking Ban Law Mean To Smokers?

When does the new Portuguese smoking ban start?

January 2023

What establishments are affected by the Portuguese Smoking Ban?

Closed spaces smaller than 100 m2 in Portugal. This includes restaurants, bars, and clubs, as long as they have a ceiling height of at least 3 meters.

What Else Does the Portuguese Smoking Law Entail For Larger Establishments?

Under the new rules, smoking areas in larger restaurants and other establishments that are 100 m2 or larger and have a minimum ceiling height of 3 meters. Here is where they fall within the smoking legislation:

The smoking area can take up to 20% of the customer area.
Smoking areas must be separated from non-smoking areas by an antechamber with automatic doors and proper ventilation.
The maximum capacity for these smoking areas must be in accordance with fire safety regulations and must be posted on the door.
Smoking rooms must also have ventilation systems and must be signposted with a warning that the air quality may be harmful to users.
People under 18 will not be allowed to enter these smoking areas.

It’s worth noting that the 2007 law in Portugal already established measures to protect citizens from involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke and to reduce demand for tobacco use. The new rules are a stricter interpretation of these laws, aimed at promoting better health in spaces where smoking is allowed.

Why You Should Quit Smoking

According to statistics from the World Health Organization, tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease worldwide. In Portugal, approximately 29% of the adult population smokes, and it is estimated to cost around €3,000 per year to be a pack-a-day smoker in the country. The WHO also reports that tobacco use is a major contributor to cancer, with lung cancer being the most common type caused by smoking. Other types of cancer linked to tobacco use include mouth, throat, bladder, kidney, pancreatic, and stomach cancer. If all that is not enough, here are a few more reasons why you really should stop smoking:

So you don’t smell like ashtrays and have an easier time finding someone willing to kiss you (the Portuguese birth rate is low…we need babies people).
So people don’t think you’re a jerk for blowing smoke in their face (yup, you’re an inconsiderate ass, particularly when you smoke in the metro stairs and I have no way to get away from your smoke).
So you can stop being a litter bug – you know you throw your cigarette butts on the ground.
So you can save money on cigarettes and buy something actually worthwhile, like a gym membership or a trip somewhere cool.
So you can stop looking like a walking ashtray with yellow teeth and wrinkled skin.
So you can stop taking smoke breaks every hour and finally be productive at work. Imagine all the extra work you could get done if you weren’t constantly stepping outside for a cigarette. You could actually get that promotion you’ve been wanting!