French Health Minister Catherine Vautrin announced a comprehensive ban on smoking in public spaces such as beaches, parks, and near schools, effective July 1. The law, aimed at protecting children, reflects growing public support for smoke-free environments.
France Implements Outdoor Smoking Ban to Protect Children’s Health
France Implements Outdoor Smoking Ban to Protect Children’s Health
Starting July 1, France will enforce a ban on smoking in outdoor areas frequented by children, aiming to safeguard their health and well-being.
France is set to become a trendsetter in public health as it enacts a ban on smoking in all outdoor areas where children are likely to gather. Health and family minister Catherine Vautrin revealed that the measure would take effect on July 1, covering locations such as beaches, parks, public gardens, school perimeters, bus stops, and sports venues. "Tobacco must disappear where there are children," Vautrin emphasized during an interview with Ouest-France, underscoring the need to separate smoking from the spaces where children play and learn.
The rule stipulates that individuals who violate the prohibition will face a €135 (£113; $153) fine. Enforcement of the law will rest with regular police forces, although Vautrin expressed confidence in the public's ability to self-regulate this behavior. Interestingly, despite this stringent approach, electronic cigarettes will not fall under the new ban, although Vautrin is considering future regulations on their nicotine content.
Recent statistics from the French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction indicate a notable drop in smoking rates, with only 23.1% of the populace smoking daily—the lowest percentage on record and a decline of over five points since 2014. Despite these positive trends, France’s National Committee Against Smoking reports that more than 75,000 deaths annually are due to tobacco-related illnesses, accounting for roughly 13% of all deaths in the nation.
France has progressively moved to tighten smoking restrictions, banning it in enclosed spaces like restaurants and nightclubs since 2008. Although plans to implement widespread outdoor smoking bans were originally slated for 2024, many local municipalities have already preemptively enacted smoking restrictions in public spaces. According to a survey by the cancer association La Ligue Contre le Cancer, nearly 80% of the French population supports further banning smoking in public places, including parks and beaches. The momentum for smoke-free zones continues to grow amid calls for reduced visibility of smoking in French media, particularly films.
