Smoking ban in the Harz narrow -gauge railway: 250 euros fines threaten!

Smoking ban in the Harz narrow -gauge railway: 250 euros fines threaten!

In recent years, a lot has happened in German non -smoking protection, and a particularly noticeable innovation affects the Harz narrow -gauge railways (HSB). From July 1, 2023, a strict ban on smoking is introduced that affects not only tobacco, but also e-cigarettes and vapes. If you don't stick to it, you now have to dig deeper into your pocket, because the fine rises from 60 euros to a whopping 250 euros so far. With this, the HSB would like to send a clear sign of fire protection and the safety of passengers, such as News38.

The HSB acted for good reason: the resin is particularly susceptible to fires due to its nature. Therefore, it was also invested in technical fire protection measures and old steam locomotives were equipped with modern safety systems. In the trains themselves and on the platforms, announcements and signs regularly provide passengers about the smoking ban. Train controls and additional security forces are also on the go to monitor violations.

smoking and its consequences

smoking is not only a health risk for smokers themselves, but also a potential danger to the general public. This can lead to dangerous situations, especially in the event of violations in public transport. Smaller embers, which could possibly cause a spark flight, appear controversial in their dangerousness, but the HSB sees it necessary to minimize these risks. Also MDR indicates that there are discussions about the legality of the fines, since there are some legal questions about the penalties.

The legal basis for non -smoking protection in Germany is regulated in the Federal Nutry Smoking Protection Act of July 20, 2007. This standard also affects public transport such as the HSB. Employers in the industry are obliged to take measures to protect their employees from the health risks of tobacco smoke. This is how § 5 of the Occupational Ordinance provides, as is recorded on the website of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

an appeal to passengers

The HSB appeals to all travelers to take the ban on smoking seriously. The health of the non -smokers and the security of all passengers should come first. At a time when the smoking ban and non -smoking protection are increasingly in the foreground, the responsibility to follow these regulations is to be given to each individual.
It is important that the duties set for non -smoking protection apply not only to employees, but also to all guests. The discussion about implementation and responsibility will continue, but the HSB takes its role as a service provider Ernst and is trying to travel safely in the picturesque environment of the Harz. In this sense: respects the ban on smoking and enjoy the journey!