Smoking

Smoking bans are not compulsory at work. However, increasingly more companies and public buildings are banning smoking as they are concerned for the health of their employees and want to create a healthier work environment. Most of these companies and public buildings have set aside areas where smoking is allowed. The Dutch Labor Law does not (yet) mention smoking specifically, however, does state emphatically that employees have the right to a healthy work environment with the least possible harmful influences.

Smoking bans have become effective as from January 1, 1990. The smoking ban applies to buildings that are managed and/or subsidized by the government.

Smoking bans apply in all public buildings owned by the national, provincial and local authorities. In buildings in which institutions, such as social cultural work, social assistance, health care, indoor sports and education departments, are located smoking is not allowed. It is allowed, however, to set aside separates rooms for smokers. No work, such as photocopying, may be carried out in these rooms. The smoking ban applies to over 50,000 public buildings and organizations.