Smoking prohibition extends to French beaches, parks, and schools, effective from July 1st.
Beginning July 1, France will extend its smoking ban to numerous outdoor public spaces, aiming to protect children and promote fresh air for future generations. According to Health Minister Catherine Vautrin, the ban will cover places such as beaches, parks, and gardens, areas surrounding schools, bus stops, and sports facilities.
Announced in an interview with "Ouest France," the regulation intends to make tobacco use vanish from areas frequented by children, underscoring the importance of clean air for young people over smokers' freedom in these zones. Violators will be subject to fines of up to €135. Enforcement will be carried out by local police.
Minister Vautrin remarked, "Our goal is to ensure that the children born in 2025 will be the first smoke-free generation." Previously, many municipalities have already imposed similar bans, which will now be implemented nationwide. Exemptions include smoking on café terraces and the use of electronic cigarettes.
To complement these restrictions, the government plans to bolster aid for smokers seeking to quit. This aligns with France's ongoing efforts to decrease tobacco use and safeguard public health.
The French government is also looking to strengthen its community policy, as it plans to bolster aid for smokers wanting to quit, aligning with France's ongoing employment policy aimed at decreasing tobacco use and safeguarding public health, including the health-and-wellness of children. In the same interview, Minister Vautrin mentioned the possibility of introducing science-backed health programs to further support smoking cessation efforts.
