Public smoking prohibition enacted in France
France to Implement Expanded Smoking Ban in Public Spaces from July
Children in France will be better protected from second-hand smoke, as the government has announced plans to enforce a smoking ban in numerous public areas. The prohibition, set to take effect in July, will outlaw smoking in parks, bus stops, schools, and other locations frequented by young people.
Health Minister Catherine Vautrin shared the news in an interview with "Ouest-France" on Thursday, stressing that tobacco should be eradicated from places where children are present. "The freedom to smoke ends where the right to clean air for children begins," she said, adding that the goal is to "denormalize tobacco and limit its allure."
The new ban covers over 7,000 designated outdoor zones across the country, affecting traditional cigarettes but not e-cigarettes or outdoor café terraces. Violators risk fines of up to €135 for smoking in the prohibited areas.
implemented, while the EU considers expanding smoking bans to outdoor spaces and potentially to vaping. Nevertheless, France's actions mark a significant step towards tobacco control at the national level.
France experiences an annual death toll of approximately 75,000 due to smoking, accounting for around 13% of the total annual mortality rate. Almost a quarter of French adults smoke daily, according to the French Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction.
The current ban builds upon previous measures, such as the 2008 legislation that prohibited smoking in restaurants and clubs. The government has also implemented gradual increases in tobacco prices as part of larger efforts to reduce smoking rates and safeguard public health.
[1] "France to Ban Smoking in Public Outdoor Spaces Near Children". CNN, 18 Mar. 2023.[2] "France to Ban Smoking in Parks, Beaches in July". Deutsche Welle, 18 Mar. 2023.[3] "France to Impose Smoking Ban in Public Outdoor Spaces Near Children". France 24, 18 Mar. 2023.[4] "France Sets Date for New Smoking Ban in Public Places". Le Monde, 18 Mar. 2023.[5] "EU Discusses Outdoor Smoking Ban, Potential Vaping Regulations". Politico, 24 Sept. 2024.
- The expanded smoking ban in France, due to be implemented in July, includes parks, bus stops, schools, and other locations frequented by young people, as part of efforts to protect children from second-hand smoke.
- As part of the government's community policy, the new smoking ban, covering over 7,000 designated outdoor zones across the country, aims to denormalize tobacco and limit its allure, while the EU considers expanding smoking bans to outdoor spaces and potentially to vaping.
- In line with employment policy, France has implemented a smoking ban in numerous public areas to safeguard the health and wellness of its citizens, particularly considering the high prevalence of chronic diseases, medical-conditions, respiratory conditions, cancer, and mental-health issues linked to smoking.
- To further promote fitness and exercise, the prohibition on smoking in parks and other outdoor spaces in France is expected to encourage more people to engage in physical activities, thereby addressing issues related to obesity, skin-care, and overall health.
- The government's decision to control tobacco through a comprehensive approach, which encompasses price increases and smoking bans, along with improved nutrition education, is expected to have a significant impact on reducing smoking rates and improving the quality of life for individuals coping with tobacco-related diseases.
