Europa-Park to Go Smoke-Free: New State Law Bans Smoking in Amusement Parks

The Baden-Württemberg state parliament passed a revised Non-Smoker Protection Act this week, introducing stricter rules for locations frequently visited by children and adolescents — including amusement parks. As a result, Europa-Park in Rust will have to implement a smoking ban in the coming months. It remains unclear at this time whether designated smoking areas will be available and, if so, where they will be located.

The law takes effect on the first day of the fourth month following its promulgation. In the outdoor areas of amusement parks, zoos, and outdoor swimming pools, operators may set up clearly marked smoking zones, provided they meet strict conditions: the areas must be visibly designated, spatially separated, and positioned so that non-smokers are not exposed to smoke. They must remain small in size and may not be placed in high-traffic locations.

The new state non-smoker protection law applies to public buildings, schools and daycare centers, children’s playgrounds, health and cultural facilities, restaurants, outdoor pools, and explicitly to amusement parks and zoos. This significantly expands passive smoke protection in Baden-Württemberg — a step likely to be welcomed especially by families and younger visitors.