What is expected of schools?

Schools must introduce a smoking ban, indicate the smoking ban and enforce the smoking ban.

Introducing the smoking ban

Schools must take measures to make it known that a smoking ban applies. You can do this by communicating about it, for example in a school or study guide or in the house rules. Schools must also remove anything from the grounds that encourages smoking, such as smoking posts, ashtrays and smoking areas.

Indicating the smoking ban

Schools are required to indicate the smoking ban. You can decide how this is done, as long as it is clear that smoking is not permitted on the grounds. Signs or posters placed in various locations on the grounds can help with this. This makes it clear to everyone that the smoking ban applies to the entire premises.

Enforcing the smoking ban

If someone smokes on your school grounds, you are required to address that person about it. You must therefore actively enforce the smoking ban.

Through the website rookvrijschoolterrein.nl, schools can receive support in making their school grounds smoke-free. Among other things, you can find a toolkit, a step-by-step plan and sample letters for parents here.

How will the NVWA supervise compliance?

From 1 January 2021, the NVWA will begin inspections to determine whether educational institutions comply with the smoking ban on their premises. The first inspection will be announced in advance. The inspector will make an appointment with the person responsible for smoking policy within the educational institution. During the inspection, the following aspects, among others, will be checked:

  • Have measures been taken to make it clear that a smoking ban applies, for example through physical and communication measures?
  • Is it clearly visible that a smoking ban applies on the premises, for example through signs and tiles?
  • Does the educational institution ensure that the premises remain smoke-free? In other words, is active action taken when someone smokes (enforcement of the smoking ban)? What has been agreed about this (policy), and what happens in practice?

The inspector carries out the inspection in accordance with the RIVM guidelines for COVID-19 applicable at that time. If, during an inspection, the NVWA inspector finds that the smoking ban on the school grounds has not been introduced, indicated or enforced, or has been insufficiently introduced, indicated or enforced, this constitutes an offence. A first offence will result in a written warning. At a later date—usually within three months—a reinspection will be carried out to determine whether the offence has been remedied. In the event of a repeated offence, the NVWA will impose an administrative fine, starting at €600. If you subsequently commit further offences, the fine may rise to €4,500 per offence. The intervention is directed at the manager of the building or establishment.

Before 1 January 2021, the NVWA will publish its amended intervention policy on the NVWA website. This will explain how it will act against violations of this smoking ban. For more information, also see the information sheet from the NVWA.