The French government bans smoking on beaches, in parks and bus shelters beginning this Sunday. A decree issued in the official gazette on Saturday also extends the ban to areas outside libraries, swimming pools, and schools. The move is intended to shield children from exposure to secondhand smoke.
According to a report by Euro News, Health Minister Catherine Vautrin released a statement last month, saying, “Wherever there are children, smoking must disappear.” She added, “A smoke-free generation is possible, and it starts now.”
Under the new rules, smoking will be prohibited in outdoor areas including beaches, public parks, gardens, bus shelters, school surroundings, and sports facilities. Individuals found violating the ban may face a fine of €135.
The policy does not extend to café and bar terraces, though Vautrin did not rule out future restrictions in such spaces. Electronic cigarettes are not included in the current ban. However, the government intends to limit the nicotine content and flavour variety of vaping products by mid-2026.
The regulation is being finalised in consultation with France’s Council of State (Conseil d’État), the country’s top advisory body on legal and policy matters. Local elected officials will be responsible for implementing the rules at ground level.
This step forms part of a broader public health campaign that includes 26 proposed measures introduced in November 2023. These include increasing tobacco prices, plain packaging, and tighter controls on vaping products.
As per Euro News report, France records approximately 75,000 tobacco-related deaths each year. Public support for the initiative remains strong. A recent survey by the Ligue contre le cancer found that nearly 80% of respondents favoured a public smoking ban, and 83% supported similar action on e-cigarettes.
France’s new rules closely follow Spain’s own announcement to extend its smoking ban to more public venues, including restaurant terraces and university campuses.
According to a report by Euro News, Health Minister Catherine Vautrin released a statement last month, saying, “Wherever there are children, smoking must disappear.” She added, “A smoke-free generation is possible, and it starts now.”
Under the new rules, smoking will be prohibited in outdoor areas including beaches, public parks, gardens, bus shelters, school surroundings, and sports facilities. Individuals found violating the ban may face a fine of €135.
The policy does not extend to café and bar terraces, though Vautrin did not rule out future restrictions in such spaces. Electronic cigarettes are not included in the current ban. However, the government intends to limit the nicotine content and flavour variety of vaping products by mid-2026.
The regulation is being finalised in consultation with France’s Council of State (Conseil d’État), the country’s top advisory body on legal and policy matters. Local elected officials will be responsible for implementing the rules at ground level.
This step forms part of a broader public health campaign that includes 26 proposed measures introduced in November 2023. These include increasing tobacco prices, plain packaging, and tighter controls on vaping products.
As per Euro News report, France records approximately 75,000 tobacco-related deaths each year. Public support for the initiative remains strong. A recent survey by the Ligue contre le cancer found that nearly 80% of respondents favoured a public smoking ban, and 83% supported similar action on e-cigarettes.
France’s new rules closely follow Spain’s own announcement to extend its smoking ban to more public venues, including restaurant terraces and university campuses.
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