Kalmthout bans smoking and vaping on town hall square

The Belgian municipality of Kalmthout has implemented a new smoking and vaping ban in the square surrounding its town hall, aiming to enhance the experience of public spaces for its residents. This decision aligns with the local government's broader strategy to designate more public areas as smoke-free.

Following previous bans in playgrounds, sports facilities, and school environments, the council has now extended these restrictions to the newly renovated town hall square. "We have a very renewed town hall," said acting mayor Jef Van den Bergh (CD&V). "This included a new square, where you can walk or rest peacefully, and we see that many residents do that too." To make this experience even more pleasant, the municipality decided to make the square smoke-free, emphasizing a commitment to the "new smoke-free generation."

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We have a very renewed town hall. This included a new square, where you can walk or rest peacefully, and we see that many residents do that too.

The municipality has made an exception for activities or events taking place on the square, during which smoking and vaping will be permitted. For regular use, designated smoking zones have been established. These include an area with an ashtray located near the entrance of the service center by the parking lot, and another zone along the bike path between Kerkeneind and Rozeneind.

This move reflects Kalmthout's ongoing efforts to promote public health and create more comfortable environments for non-smokers in shared public spaces. The designated zones aim to balance the needs of smokers with the desire for smoke-free areas for the general public.

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After playgrounds, sports and school environments, we also find it important to think about other public spaces. We want to follow the new smoke-free generation.