Paris, France — In a landmark move to safeguard public health, particularly that of children, France will enforce a comprehensive ban on smoking in most outdoor public spaces starting July 1, 2025. This initiative, announced by Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin, aims to reduce tobacco exposure in areas frequented by minors.
The new regulations will prohibit smoking in locations such as beaches, parks, gardens, playgrounds, sports venues, school entrances, and bus stops. Violators of the ban will face fines up to €135 (approximately $153). However, the ban does not extend to café terraces or include electronic cigarettes, though future restrictions on these are under consideration.
Minister Vautrin emphasized the importance of protecting children from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke, stating, “Where there are children, tobacco must disappear.” She further noted that the freedom to smoke ends where children’s right to breathe clean air begins.
This measure is part of France’s broader National Anti-Tobacco Programme for 2023-2027, which aspires to create a tobacco-free generation by 2032. The program includes plans to lower permitted nicotine levels in electronic smoking devices and reduce the number of available flavors, aiming to curb the appeal of vaping among youth.
France’s cultural association with smoking has been longstanding, often romanticized in cinema and fashion. Icons like Brigitte Bardot and Jean-Paul Belmondo epitomized the allure of smoking in French culture. However, the country has been progressively tightening smoking regulations over the years. Indoor smoking bans in public places like restaurants and nightclubs have been in place since 2008.
Despite these efforts, smoking remains a significant public health issue in France. Approximately 75,000 people die annually from tobacco-related illnesses, accounting for 13% of all deaths in the country. While daily smoking rates have declined to a historic low of 23.1%, the habit persists, particularly among youth and urban populations.
The new outdoor smoking ban aligns France with other European nations implementing similar measures. For instance, the UK has proposed laws to prevent future generations from purchasing cigarettes, and Spain is extending smoking bans to various public outdoor areas.
Public support for the ban is strong in France. A survey conducted by the French League Against Cancer found that nearly 80% of respondents favored eliminating smoking in public spaces like woodlands, beaches, parks, and terraces.
Enforcement of the new regulations will primarily rely on local authorities, with an emphasis on public self-regulation. Minister Vautrin expressed confidence in the public’s willingness to adhere to the new rules, highlighting the collective responsibility to protect children’s health.
As France takes this significant step towards reducing tobacco exposure in public spaces, the move represents both a public health initiative and a cultural shift away from the nation’s historical association with smoking.
Source; Daily Mail
