Smoking ban in football stadiums: Initiative calls for a nationwide regulation!

Smoking ban in football stadiums: Initiative calls for a nationwide regulation!

In Germany, the discussion about a nationwide ban on smoking in football stadiums is getting louder. The "Pro Rauchfrei" initiative calls for a general ban on any smoking in all arenas to protect the health of the audience. Arne Weinhardt, a spokesman for the country's largest non -smoking association, commented: "Where the non -smoker is forced to smash against his will and thus damaged his health, the freedom of the smoker stops."

The smoking ban in the stadiums of six Bundesliga clubs and two second division clubs currently applies. Nevertheless, the situation remains unsatisfactory for many fans. More and more followers complain about the cigarette smoke in the arenas. "It is very irritating how little is moving and how change -resistant the clubs are," criticized Weinhardt and emphasized that the health damage through passive smoking is scientifically well documented.

protection of non -smokers in focus

A central problem is that many spectators have to inhale the smoke of their neighboring neighbors on narrow grandstands, especially in covered stadiums where the smoke can hardly pull off. Already in certain family blocks it is only used for voluntariness, which is insufficient for many non -smokers.

The "Pro smoke -free" initiative emphasizes that mutual consideration often does not work in practice. Fans often report that smokers who are asked to do not smoke can rely on the existing law, which exacerbates the problem. Weinhardt explains: "We get a lot of reports that smokers, if they are asked not to smoke in the stadium, point out that it is allowed."

While smoking in the Bundesliga, for example at Bayer Leverkusen, TSG Hoffenheim and FC Bayern Munich, is already completely prohibited, little seems to be moving. In contrast, the English Premier League has already implemented a comprehensive approach: there is a strict smoking ban in all of its arenas, and violations are punished with stadium bans.

"per smoke -free" therefore calls for a nationwide solution. Weinhardt argues that health protection should not be at the discretion of the clubs. "Health protection is a state legal monopoly and must not depend on the personal feeling of the association," he said, thus underlining the importance of a uniform regulation throughout Germany to improve the conditions for non -smokers in stadiums.

The further development in this matter remains to be seen, especially in view of the ongoing complaints from fans and the clear reasoning of the initiative. These efforts could be crucial for whether we can benefit from a smoke -free stadium experience in the future football season.