People in Belgium will be able to smoke on restaurant terraces and in other outdoor areas for a little while longer, after the government decided to postpone a ban on outdoor smoking that had been scheduled to take effect in early 2027.

The federal government had planned to ban smoking outside cafés and restaurants from 1 January. The measure is being spearheaded by Frank Vandenbroucke, the social-democrat health minister.

However, Belgium’s Council of State “asked us to adjust certain measures, and we are working in that direction”, a statement from Vandenbroucke’s office said, according to local broadcaster VRT, as reported by Politico.

It remains unclear how long implementation of the measure will be delayed.

The minister’s move had prompted strong opposition from the hospitality industry, which will now have more time to adapt to the new rules.

Several other EU countries are moving towards similar bans, although not always successfully.

France recently introduced a ban on smoking on beaches, in public gardens and near schools.

Spain approved a draft bill in July that would extend the ban to outdoor terraces and other public spaces, while restrictions also apply to e-cigarettes. The proposal has already faced opposition from restaurant owners.

Last year, Belgium introduced a series of new anti-smoking laws, including restrictions on smoking in airport areas and a ban on flavoured e-cigarettes.

The Belgian government aims to achieve a “smoke-free generation” by 2040. Almost one in four Belgians are estimated to smoke, while around one in five (19%) smoke daily.