The arrival is a green light for smokers who put chairs and tables on the balcony and blow smoke, enjoying the nice weather. In the case of single-family houses, it is not so burdensome because we are separated from our neighbors by a fence and the houses are separated by a considerable distance. The biggest problems are faced by people who live in apartment blocks and cannot tolerate cigarette smoke. Can they ban smoking?
Can you smoke on the balcony? The Act is clear
Increasingly higher temperatures and sunny days mean that we have open windows in the apartment most of the day. This allows us to let in odors from outside. If the neighbor who lives next door smokes, the smoke will also reach our premises. Pursuant to the protection of health against the consequences of using tobacco and tobacco products, a person violating the ban on smoking tobacco products in public places may be fined up to PLN 500.
This also applies to electric cigarettes. However, this rule does not apply to balconies because they are not treated as a public place. Therefore, there is no official ban on smoking on balconies, terraces or in apartments.
Cigarettes or e-cigarettes? Which is worse for your health. pexels.com/lil artsy
Can a cooperative prohibit smoking on the balcony? There is one condition
However, this does not mean that you have to tolerate cigarette smoke and that you cannot do anything about it. There are certain exceptions that allow you to force your neighbor to stop smoking on your balcony. First of all, you can warn him and refer to the Civil Code, which talks about disturbing the use of real estate. The second step is to report the matter to the cooperative. It has the option of introducing a smoking ban and penalties for breaking it in the regulations. However, it must be supported by the majority of residents. The third way is to invoke the Code of Petty Offenses, but this can only be done in one situation. A neighbor can receive a fine of PLN 500 if he throws cigarette butts on the neighbors’ lawn or balconies. If you feel like it, vote in our poll below.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
