France to Clear the Air: Smoking Ban Set for Public Spaces Near Children

 

France is set to implement a sweeping ban on smoking in outdoor public spaces frequented by children, in what officials describe as a crucial step towards improving public health and protecting younger generations. From July 1, smoking will no longer be permitted on beaches, in public parks, gardens, near schools, bus stops, or sports venues, according to an announcement by Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin.

 

“Tobacco must disappear where there are children,” Vautrin told Ouest-France, underscoring the government's intent to prioritize clean air for minors. She added pointedly, “The freedom to smoke must end where the freedom of children to breathe fresh air begins.”

 

The ban, however, will not extend to the popular terrasses — outdoor seating areas of cafés and bars — which will remain exempt. Violations of the new rules will result in a fine of €135 (£113; $153), Vautrin said, though she emphasized that enforcement would not rely solely on law enforcement. “I am a great believer in self-regulation,” she noted, suggesting that public awareness and mutual respect would also play a key role in the policy’s success.

 

Electronic cigarettes are not covered under the new restrictions, but Vautrin revealed that additional regulations may be on the horizon. She is currently working on proposals to limit the nicotine content in vaping products, reflecting concerns about rising e-cigarette use, especially among young people.

 

The latest data from the French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction indicates that smoking rates in France have reached a historic low. As of the most recent survey, 23.1% of the population smokes daily — a decline of more than five percentage points since 2014.

 

Despite the encouraging downward trend, tobacco use remains one of France’s most serious public health issues. According to the National Committee Against Smoking, more than 75,000 deaths each year are attributed to tobacco-related illnesses, accounting for roughly 13% of all fatalities in the country.

 

France previously banned smoking inside establishments such as restaurants and nightclubs back in 2008. And while a broader national ban on outdoor smoking was originally planned for 2024, the required legal decree was never officially adopted. Nonetheless, more than 1,500 municipalities have taken the initiative, instituting local bans in public spaces, and hundreds of French beaches have been designated smoke-free for several years.

 

Public support for expanding the smoking ban appears strong. A recent report by La Ligue Contre le Cancer, France’s cancer association, found that nearly 80% of the population supports prohibiting smoking in public outdoor areas such as parks, beaches, woodland, and even terrasses.

 

With the July rollout, the French government is hoping to catch up with the proactive stance many local governments and citizens have already embraced. The overarching aim, as Vautrin described it, is to foster a healthier, smoke-free environment where children can breathe easy — literally.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC  2025-05-31

 

 

Unless France has changed - these plans could spark riots.

 

Its been a long time since I spent any time in France but when I did, I was amazed at how many people smoked - just about everybody it seemed.

 

Couple that (unless its changed drastically) with the popularity of protesting in France and there could be trouble.

I have to admit - I get this. I was a smoker for 25+ years. Can't remember that last time I had a smoke. I recently went to Tesco where 1 guy was smoking just outside the entrance, and it really was repugnant. Smokers don't understand (I know, having been one long ago), they just think "What's the big deal?"

 

Banning really is the right thing to do, but it's a bitter pill that many won't swallow.

Europe has become homogenised , fifty years ago you could tell what country you were in by their distinctive tobacco smell, the cars they drive and the beer they drank. Kind of a shame if you ask me.

22 hours ago, HappyExpat57 said:

I have to admit - I get this. I was a smoker for 25+ years. Can't remember that last time I had a smoke.

 

Same here. Switched to vapes which don't leave that horrible, ingrained smell. Stepson used to smoke outside, or at least in the doorway, but now chugs away all day in his room with GF and friends.

 

His doorknob is broken (like everything else he touches) so sometimes the wind blows his door open and the whole house is filled with stench.