The left-wing parties in Parliament are concerned that the smoking ban to come into effect this summer will lead to a strong increase in the use of energy-guzzling space heaters on terraces.

27 March 2008

THE HAGUE – The left-wing parties in Parliament are concerned that the smoking ban to come into effect this summer will lead to a strong increase in the use of energy-guzzling space heaters on terraces.

From 1 July smokers will no longer be able to smoke indoors at cafes and will be forced to go outside if they want to light up.

Green-left GroenLinks MP Wijnand Duyvendak would like to see the terrace space heaters banned, but argued in Parliament on Thursday that they be heavily taxed at the very least.

Other parties do not want to go so far. "A blanket on the terrace could also be cosy," says Roos Vermeij of the Labour PvdA. "A heavy smoking jacket, with the name of the café in bold letters," suggests Remi Poppe of Socialist SP.

Minister for the Environment Jacqueline Cramer pointed out that it is municipalities, not the national government, that make ordinances regarding terraces.

She would like consultation with the municipalities and the business sector to find a solution. If that fails, a tax could be considered.

[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2008]