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Where are you allowed to smoke in Norway?

Indoor bans, outdoor exceptions and bar terraces.

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Short answer

In Norway you can smoke outdoors in most places, but smoking and e-cigarettes are banned indoors in public places, workplaces, bars, restaurants and public transport. Outdoors the ban covers entrances to public agencies and health institutions, playgrounds, outdoor sports areas and kindergarten grounds. Bar terraces are not on that list, so venue rules decide.

Can you smoke in Norway? a shield icon with a check mark next to a tent and a small no-campfire sign on a green hillside

Why

  1. Section 25 of the Tobacco Control Act requires smoke-free air in premises and means of transport open to the public, and the same rule applies to workplaces and serving premises.
  2. All outdoor entrances to public agencies and health institutions, both public and private, must be smoke-free.
  3. Under section 28, smoking is also banned on playgrounds, on outdoor sports areas and in private vehicles when children under 18 are present.

Details

Hotels and other places to stay may allow smoking in up to half of their rooms. Every serving place must have a sign at the entrance about the smoking ban. Smoking in private homes is not covered by the ban.

Tip

On a night out, ask the staff where you may smoke and check the signs on the terrace before you light up.

What may differ

Snus has its own rules: it may not be used in kindergartens, and pupils may not use it during school hours.

People also ask

  • Where is smoking allowed in Norway?
  • Can you smoke in Norway?
  • Can you smoke in bars or on outdoor terraces in Norway?
  • Is smoking allowed in bars in Norway?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check the Norwegian Directorate of Health (Helsedirektoratet) before you travel.

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