Smoking prohibition extended to French beaches, playgrounds, and schools; policy effective from 1st July.
France Enforces Nationwide Smoking Ban in Public Areas to Protect Children
France will enact a nationwide smoking ban in certain public spaces starting July 1. This prohibition will extend to areas frequented by children, such as beaches, parks, schools, bus stops, and sports facilities. The decision was announced by Health Minister Catherine Vautrin in an interview with the newspaper "Ouest France."
In contravention of the new rule, individuals may be fined approximately €133 to €135. Local law enforcement will be responsible for enforcing the ban.
Minister Vautrin stated, "Our goal is to ensure that the children born in 2025 constitute the first smoke-free generation." This aspiration forms part of France's National Tobacco Control Programme, which seeks to reduce tobacco usage and its appeal, particularly among young people. The programme aims to create a smoke-free generation.
Despite historically low smoking rates in France, tobacco remains a substantial health concern, leading to around 75,000 fatalities annually. Initially, the ban will exclude terraces of cafes and electronic cigarettes. However, the government is contemplating future restrictions on e-cigarettes, including reducing nicotine content and flavor variety by mid-2026.
Sources: ntv.de, dpa
- France's National Tobacco Control Programme, which includes the aim to create a smoke-free generation, also focuses on policy and legislation related to health-and-wellness and science.
- The community policy concerning the nationwide smoking ban in public areas in France has been compared, in terms of politics, to similar legislation enacted in other countries to protect children from secondhand smoke.
- As part of its commitment to a healthier community, the employment policy in France may soon include measures to regulate the sale and use of electronic cigarettes, given the French government's consideration of future restrictions on e-cigarettes, including reducing nicotine content and flavor variety.
