The European Commission published a report that shows that in 2012 in 28% of Europeans were exposed to second hand smoke in bars in 2012 – down from 46% in 2009. In addition, the report dispels concerns about smoking bans impacting negatively on the revenues of bars and restaurants, by showing that the economic impact has been limited, neutral and even positive over time.

A report published by the European Commission shows that although exposure to second hand smoke reduced in 2012, it is still too high. In 2012, 28% of Europeans were exposed to second hand smoke in bars – down from 46% in 2009. The report is based on self-reporting by the 27 Member States, following the 2009 Council Recommendation on Smoke-free Environments, which called upon governments to adopt and implement laws to fully protect their citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke in enclosed public places, workplaces and public transport. In December 2011, Commission and industry discussed over the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive.

On the other hand, the report dispels concerns about smoking bans impacting negatively on the revenues of bars and restaurants, by showing that the economic impact has been limited, neutral and even positive over time. However, the report also illustrates that some Member States are lagging behind, in terms of comprehensive laws protecting public health, and enforcement.

Exposure to second hand tobacco smoke is a wide-spread source of mortality, morbidity and disability in the EU. According to conservative estimates, more than 70,000 adults in the EU died due to exposure to tobacco smoke in 2002, many of them non-smokers or employees exposed to second hand smoking at their workplaces.