Public spaces in France now prohibit smoking; this includes beaches, parks, and public gardens.
French Government to Enforce Smoking Ban in Outdoor Public Spaces Near Children
The French government announced on Friday that beginning July 1, smoking will be prohibited in outdoor public areas where children may be present. This decision is part of the National Tobacco Control Program 2023-2027, aiming to create a smoke-free generation by 2032.
The new measure covers various public spaces, such as beaches, parks, public gardens, sports facilities, bus stops, and areas surrounding schools. "Where children are present, tobacco should be nowhere to be found," French Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin said in an interview with Ouest-France.
In contravention of the ban, offenders might face a fine of up to 135 euros. The minister explained that the freedom to smoke will end where the right to breathe clean air for children begins. High schools and colleges will also be subject to the ban to prevent students from smoking in front of their schools.
Café terraces and electronic cigarettes, however, will not be included in the ban for now. The French Health Minister plans to reduce the nicotine level and the number of flavors associated with electronic cigarettes by the end of the first semester of the current year. To define the specifics of these measures, the minister indicated she will seek scientific and technical opinions.
According to a survey conducted by the League Against Cancer, around 62% of the French population supports a broader restriction on smoking in public places. Despite the lack of immediate decisions from the government, the ban is widely accepted by the public, indicating a social shift toward healthier environments and reduced tobacco usage.
The government estimates that approximately 75,000 deaths annually in France are tobacco-related. By enacting this ban, the French government aims to create a healthier environment for children and gradually reduce tobacco usage across the country.
In the continuation of the French government's efforts to promote health and wellness, they are considering further restrictions in public spaces, with a potential focus on science-based policies related to nutrition, aiming to create an environment that supports healthier lifestyle choices for children and the general populace. The French Health Minister's plans for regulating the content of electronic cigarettes by reducing nicotine levels and limiting flavors are part of this broader approach to promote healthier living.
