15.01.2026 11:33
A new smoking ban is on the way. The details of the smoking ban indicated by Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu in recent days have become clear. According to the new legislation being prepared, semi-open areas where businesses allow smoking under the name of "winter garden" or "retractable awning" are also included in the ban.
The "Smoke-Free Airspace" initiative, which started in 2008, is expanding its coverage area.
Architectural solutions that lead to violations of the smoking ban in enclosed spaces and "semi-open" areas have come under the new radar of the Ministry of Health. According to details shared by Canan Yıldırım from Star Haber; the end of the road seems to be in sight for areas with awnings and winter gardens, which are indispensable for cafes and restaurants. If the regulation becomes law, smoking will be prohibited in these areas.
WHAT WILL THE NEW REGULATION CHANGE?
When the regulation comes into effect, businesses with retractable roof systems will need to reorganize their spaces. If the new legislation is enacted, areas that are enclosed on three sides and have a retractable roof or are only protected by an awning will no longer be classified as "open areas" and smoking will not be allowed. It is anticipated that inspections will be stricter and heavy administrative fines will be imposed on businesses that do not comply with the criteria.
MEMİŞOĞLU SAID, "A MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE STRUGGLE IS BEGINNING"
Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu announced that they have determined a new roadmap in the fight against tobacco addiction and unhealthy eating. Memişoğlu stated that the legislative regulation will be brought to the agenda of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) in a short time, saying, "With this work, we will make the fight against tobacco addiction much more effective. We are determined to protect our citizens from tobacco smoke by clarifying the definition and implementation of enclosed spaces."