Utrecht makes Domplein smoke-free during Sinterklaas parade

The smoke-free Domplein is a polite request to all visitors, for the health of children and others, not to smoke during the parade on November 16. A large stage will be set up on the square to celebrate the parade. Visitors will be asked via signs not to smoke in this area. The Sinterklaas parade attracts thousands of children and parents to the city center every year.

The municipality wants everyone, especially children, to enjoy a festive and healthy environment. Secondhand smoke, even outdoors, is very unhealthy. In addition, smoking and vaping in sight increases the chance that children will start smoking themselves later.

Alderman Eelco Eerenberg (Public Health): “A celebration for young and old should be smoke-free in Utrecht!”

The organization of the Utrecht Sinterklaas parade says: “The only thing that smokes with us is the chimney of Sints boat.”

Smoke-free generation 

Utrecht is, as far as known by the Smoke-free Generation initiative, the first municipality in the Netherlands to make part of the parade smoke-free. Making Domplein smoke-free is a first step towards a fully smoke-free parade. In the future, the municipality wants to work with the involved organization to see if other parts of the parade can also be made smoke-free.

The Municipality of Utrecht wants children in Utrecht to grow up without exposure to smoke. Also, fewer young people should start smoking or vaping. Utrecht has therefore taken many steps including promoting smoke-free terraces, smoke-free pavement tiles, and smoke-free zones in many places where children come. Among others at museums, school grounds, swimming pools, petting zoos, playgrounds, sports parks, and bus stops, smoking has been prohibited in Utrecht for a long time.