The town of Holzwickede near Dortmund has introduced a smoking ban for all outdoor public events organized by the municipality.

This decision, made by the town council, applies to events like the Christmas market, street food festivals, and summer celebrations.

However, the weekly market is exempt from the ban.

The move was initiated by the satirical political group "Die Partei," aiming to protect non-smokers and minors from secondhand smoke.

The council plans to develop a strategy for enforcement and penalties.

The ban will take effect next year, as this year’s Christmas market has already concluded.

This local decision aligns with broader EU discussions on expanding smoke-free zones in public spaces.