Saarland’s Arcades Can Now Allow Smoking After Court Overturns Ban

A legal U-turn brings back cigarettes to gaming hubs—but with strict rules. Why this ruling could reshape how arcades balance smoker and non-smoker rights.

, and Administrator

2025 November 13 . 7:22 AM

1 min read

In the image we can see there are buildings and there is a factory. There is a smoke coming out of... — In the image we can see there are buildings and there is a factory. There is a smoke coming out of the factory and the image is in black and white colour.

Smoking allowed again in Saarland's gaming halls - Saarland’s Arcades Can Now Allow Smoking After Court Overturns Ban

A recent ruling by the Higher Administrative Court has reversed the smoking ban in Saarland's amusement arcades. The change reinstates the legal framework that was in place until the end of 2023, allowing smoking under strict conditions. The blanket smoking ban, introduced in December 2023, is now lifted. The court ruled that the ban created an unconstitutional disparity between arcades and casinos. The initiative to reverse the ban was proposed by the CDU-Fraktion in the Saarbrücker Staatsregierung in 2023. Under the new rules, arcades must provide designated, enclosed smoking areas. These areas must not contain gaming machines, food, or beverages. This ensures a safe and comfortable environment for both smokers and non-smokers. Smoking is now permitted in Saarland's amusement arcades, following the Higher Administrative Court's ruling. Arcades must adhere to the new regulations, providing separate, enclosed smoking areas. This change aims to balance the rights of smokers and non-smokers while maintaining a fair legal framework.