Does Germany have a smoking ban in public places?

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Ms. S

Actually, a law officially banning smoking in bars, restaurants, cafes and the like was passed just a few weeks ago, so you're in luck. :) People smoking in one of those places can now be fined quite heftily (not sure about the exact amount).

Smoking is also banned in public buildings such as banks, post offices, etc. No one can stop people from smoking out on the street, though (at least not yet), but outside, it's not too bad anyway.

t_maia2000

Comparing the socil acceptance of smoking world wide, Germany is in the middle of the extremes.

In the US, a smoker always asks "Do you mind if I smoke?" and will refrain from doing it if you answer "yes".
In Germany, a smoker will not ask. But if you say something he will either apologise and put his cigarette out or smoke out of a window to minimise your exposure.
In the Middle East, you will be offered a cigarette as a sign of politeness. "No thanks, I don't smoke" will not count, you have to take it anyway and get the smoke blown into your face on top of it.

Go figure.

To answer your question more directly: I'm German and I've got asthma. Generally it is very easy for me to avoid smoky environments, as a lot of places are non-smoking anyway. It is common (or at least was before the smoking ban) to see ashtrays in front of office buildings, so that smokers could smoke outside. Same for clubs and other public buildings.

The only problematic places were bars and pubs or theatre lobbies or similar. I think the smoking ban took care of that, haven't had the opportunity to check yet. (The only thing I noted is that office workers are now smoking inside, since smoking in public in front of the door is now prohibited. ARRRGH!)

So overall your heart problems shoudn't prevent you from enjoying a trip to Germany. Have fun!

Quizard

I don't believe so but Ireland is and the UK will be smoke free soon, and France also.

sarge

At last report there are no smoking bans anywhere in
Germany. If you're going to Germany, be prepared for some cultural shock. While the people are very friendly and outgoing for the most part, You will see prostitutes openly selling their wares. Prostitution is legal in Germany. Many of the night clubs and bars continuously show porn for their patrons. There are those that don't, so choose wisely. Try to learn a few German phrases before you. While it sometimes amuses German people to hear us try to speak their language, they are totally pleased that we try. It is very easy to learn a bit of German. For instance sucar is sugar, saltz is salt.wasser is water, bier is beer. Remember that Ws are pronounced as Vs, and Vs are pronounced as Fs, so Volkswagon would be pronounced "FolksVagon". Its really easy. There are harder words of course, but they will appreciate you trying. Enjoy your trip and good luck.

Rachel

No I have just been. As I live in Scotland where there already is a smoking ban I found it really weird. They SMoke everywhere, and I didnt find any no smoking sections.

Really nice place to go to though - I went to Berlin, it was great.

blondie

My experience with any European country is that smoking is allowed anywhere. Maybe have things changed.
I live in Vancouver B.C. Canada, and the Europeans hate the smoking bans in the bars and restaurant's here.

david f

People smoke a lot more in Germany. Bars and restaurants are pretty disgusting. However Germans being a diciplined race would never light up in any non-smoking area.

ivory_plr

Well I'll tell, I HAVE been to Germany. They smoke a LOT down there. So they don't ban the smoking there in any places.

Jan H

if YEs you have big problems don't go near any trainstation the somking ban is going but not in action yet.

$D*Da*Spoild*1$

I was born & raised in Germany & I dont think it's any worse then the U.S. they dont have a smoking ban everywhere...but they are not as bad of smokers as the French!

Smudgeward

Hitler tried to bring it in, he was a real softy when it came to animals, veggies and health nuts, much like our current regime.

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