Where can I smoke in public in the Netherlands?
On the street: usually allowed, except in smoke-free zones around schools, hospitals, stations. In indoor hospitality, public buildings, trains, platforms, and workplaces: banned since 2014. Vaping and e-cigarettes fall under the same Tobacco Act. On hospitality terraces: still allowed for now, but the government plans a ban from 2030. In your own car with children under 18: banned since 2020. Fine: €75–450 for smokers, €600+ for hospitality operators.
📋 The rules
- Smoking BANNED in all indoor hospitality, public transport, offices, public buildings
- Ban on all platforms and stations since 2020 (ProRail property)
- Ban around schools (smoke-free school zone, 25–50m radius) since 2020
- Ban in/around hospitals, GGD locations and daycare centres
- On city beaches and in parks: varies locally, usually still allowed
- On hospitality terraces (outdoor): still allowed for now — general ban planned from 2030
- In cars with children under 18: banned since 2020
- Vaping/e-cigarettes fall fully under the same Tobacco Act
- Sale of tobacco products to under-18: banned
🔓 Exceptions
- Indoor smoking rooms (sealed + own ventilation) banned in hospitality since 2022
- Smoking lounge in psychiatric institutions: still allowed under conditions
- Private rented function rooms: requires written agreement with operator
- In your own home or private garden: free (except neighbour nuisance)
- During permitted events, a specific smoking zone can be designated
⚠️ Penalty if you do it anyway
€75–180 for smokers when smoking in a banned area (NVWA/NS/GVB). €450 for violation in school/daycare. €600+ for hospitality operators if customers smoke inside. €1,000+ for sale to minors. Fire caused by cigarette butt: civil liability plus possible criminal prosecution (arson by negligence).
📎 Official sources
- Rijksoverheid · smoking rules →
- NVWA · tobacco act enforcement →
- Smoke-Free Generation →
- Rijksoverheid · smoke-free school zones →
❓ Frequently asked questions
Can I smoke on the terrace in Amsterdam?
On an outdoor terrace: still usually allowed. Some hospitality operators choose “smoke-free terrace” voluntarily. From 2030 the government plans a general ban on all hospitality terraces. Check the Smoke-Free Generation map for current smoke-free terraces.
Can I vape at the station?
No. Vaping has fallen under the same Tobacco Act as cigarettes since 2020. On platforms, in stations, in trains: banned. Fine €75–180 (NS enforcement + GVB inspectors).
Can I smoke on the beach in the Netherlands?
On most Dutch beaches: yes, no legal ban. Some seaside towns (Scheveningen, Bloemendaal designated zones) run pilots with smoke-free beaches. Plastic butts on sand are fineable — €100+ for littering.
Can my employer send me out of the building to smoke?
Employer can refuse smoke breaks except for CAO-mandated breaks. In communal corridors you must stand at least 5m from doors. On work grounds in a factory garden: can be banned under company rules.
Can I smoke in the car with my child in it?
No. Since 1 July 2020, banned to smoke in a car with passengers under 18. Fine €100. Applies to both driver and other passengers. Vaping is included.
What is a smoke-free school zone?
A 25–50m radius around the school entrance where smoking is absolutely banned (since August 2020). School staff may enforce, plus police can issue a fine (€450). Applies to all schools: primary, secondary, vocational, college, university.
Can I smoke in my own rented apartment?
Legally: yes, private living space is private. But many tenancy contracts ban indoor smoking, especially new contracts from Stadgenoot/Ymere/Eigen Haard. Violation: warning and ultimately contract termination possible. Neighbour nuisance via smoke in hall/lift: APV report possible.
My neighbour smokes on his balcony and the smoke drifts into my window. What do I do?
Talk first. For ongoing nuisance: report to landlord or VvE, or via meldingen.amsterdam.nl. For escalation: use Bij Wie? for nuisance complaints to route to the right help-desk (smoke nuisance falls under APV).
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