PARIS — France will introduce a nationwide ban on smoking in several outdoor public areas beginning July 1, as part of a major push to reduce tobacco use and protect public health.
The new rules will prohibit smoking on beaches, in public parks and gardens, near schools, at bus stops, and in sports venues, according to the BBC and Agence France-Presse (AFP).
“Tobacco must disappear where there are children,” said Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin. “The freedom to smoke must end where the freedom of children to breathe fresh air begins.”
Violators could face fines of up to €135 (about $153). Enforcement will fall to police, but officials hope the public will help self-regulate.
Key Exemptions
Outdoor café terraces (terrasses), a staple of French culture, are not included in the ban. Smokers can still light up while seated at cafés. E-cigarettes are also excluded for now, though restrictions on nicotine levels are being considered.
Building on Past Measures
France has banned indoor smoking in public places since 2008. Many local governments have already imposed outdoor bans in certain areas. According to AFP, over 1,500 municipalities and hundreds of beaches are already smoke-free.
Support for the move is strong: a survey by La Ligue Contre le Cancer found nearly 80% of French citizens favor smoke-free parks and beaches.
Smoking Declines, But Health Risks Remain
Daily smoking in France has dropped to 23.1%, the lowest on record. Still, tobacco use causes over 75,000 deaths each year, around 13% of all deaths, according to the National Committee Against Smoking.
While many praise the new restrictions, critics argue they may limit personal freedoms. Tourists visiting France this summer should be cautious—smoking in restricted areas could result in a fine.
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