Cluj-Napoca could become the first city in Romania to ban smoking in public spaces. Mayor Emil Boc announced that the municipality could adopt the model of Milan, which has implemented the strictest anti-smoking legislation in Italy.
“Our goal is to ban smoking in parks, playgrounds, and sports facilities. The model already exists at the European level, and now we are analyzing the legal framework in Romania to see if, without a national law, we can do this through a decision of the local council,” said Emil Boc, quoted by Digi 24.
This measure must be implemented gradually, following a public debate, and I even consider ensuring in some areas, large parks, large sports facilities such as those in airports, specific delimited spaces where those who wish to smoke can have a precise space,” Emil Boc declared.
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Most residents agree with the mayor's idea, especially when it comes to parks or children's playgrounds.
“It would be very good if it were banned because children are small, we take them out for fresh air, not for smoke. It should have happened much sooner because they are small children, and we need to protect them, right?” said a city resident.
“I think it should be completely banned, I think nobody should smoke,” said another man.
Milan has introduced the strictest anti-smoking law in Italy, which prohibits smoking in almost all public spaces, including streets. The new regulation, effective from January 1, 2025, imposes fines ranging from 40 to 240 euros for those who do not comply.
Smokers can only light a cigarette in isolated places, where they can maintain a distance of at least 10 meters from other people.