The French government is implementing a comprehensive outdoor smoking ban, starting July 1st, as part of efforts to protect public health and improve air quality, particularly for children. The ban applies to a wide range of public places including beaches, parks, gardens, bus stops, sports venues, and areas near schools. This initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of smoking in public spaces and promote healthier environments for citizens and future generations.
Health Minister Catherine Vautrin emphasized the importance of protecting children from the harm of tobacco by ensuring public spaces remain smoke-free. The new rules also include fines of up to €150 for those who violate the ban, though enforcement will primarily rely on public adherence to the new rules.
The ban includes exceptions for outdoor café seating areas, known as “terrasses,” where smoking with meals is still permissible. Additionally, while e-cigarettes are currently exempt from the restrictions, there are plans to introduce limits on nicotine levels in vaping products in the future.
This move represents a significant expansion of France’s anti-smoking efforts, which have included bans in indoor public spaces since 2008. Many local authorities have also implemented their own smoking restrictions in public areas, indicating strong public support for such measures. Despite a decline in smoking rates among adults in France, tobacco remains a leading cause of death, underscoring the ongoing challenges in public health efforts related to smoking.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/ooh-la-law-france-snuffs-smoking-parks-beaches-more
