Smoking in Krakow in pubs, restaurants and bars?

When visiting Poland, you may encounter regulations that differ from those in other countries. Some rules are unique and may surprise travelers. One common question among tourists planning a trip to Krakow is: Can you smoke in restaurants, bars, pubs, and cafes in Krakow? Is smoking allowed in Polish gastronomic venues? Where is it permitted, and where is it banned? In this article, we’ll provide clear answers to these questions, helping you navigate Poland’s smoking laws in restaurats in Krakow with confidence.

Smoking in pubs, bars and clubs in Krakow

In Poland, smoking is strictly regulated to protect public health. Since November 15, 2010, smoking has been banned in all indoor public spaces, including restaurants, bars, pubs, and cafes. This law applies to both traditional cigarettes and now also e-cigarettes (vaping). The ban was introduced to reduce secondhand smoke exposure and promote a healthier environment.

Where Is smoking banned?

At all indoor areas of most restaurants, bars, pubs, and cafes. Smoking is prohibited in establishments (pubs, bars, cafés, clubs and restaurants) if they do not have a designated smoking room. In those that do have such rooms, smoking is permitted. In practice, very few establishments have smoking rooms in Kraków.

Smoking rooms are now extremely rare. The law requires such rooms to be completely enclosed and equipped with proper ventilation systems, which makes them costly to maintain. As a result, most venues have eliminated them.

While smoking is prohibited indoors , there are some exceptions and alternatives. You can smoke outside. Many restaurants, bars, and cafes in Krakow offer outdoor seating areas where smoking is allowed. Smoking is allowed in private spaces. However, if you’re staying in a hotel, smoking is usually restricted to designated smoking rooms (if available) or outdoor areas.

The same rules apply to e-cigarettes and vaping. Smoking e-cigarettes is banned in all indoor public spaces, including gastronomic venues. Vaping is allowed in outdoor seating areas. Always check with the staff to avoid misunderstandings.

Penalties for breaking the law

If you’re caught smoking in a prohibited area, you may face a fine. The exact amount depends on the situation, but it can range from up to 500 PLN (approximately 20 EUR, 124 USD, 99 GBP). In practice, the police are rarely called to enforce smoking bans. As a result, receiving a fine is uncommon, although the law does provide for penalties, as mentioned earlier.

• Smoking is banned in all indoor public spaces in Poland, including restaurants, bars, pubs, and cafes.
• Smoking is allowed in outdoor seating areas and private spaces, always check the venue’s policy.
• The same rules apply to e-cigarettes and vaping.
• Breaking the law can result in a fine of 100 to 500 PLN.
• Here you will learn what is the legal smoking age in Krakow and Poland.
• In Poland, it is very rare for authorities to enforce the smoking ban in parks or other public outdoor areas.

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