From today, you are no longer allowed to smoke in public places in France where many children come. The ban applies to beaches and parks, among other places, but not yet to terraces. In addition, electronic cigarettes have not yet been included in the ban.
The smoking ban was initially scheduled to start on July 1, but was brought forward to June 29 by decree. In addition to parks and beaches, smoking in France is also prohibited near libraries, swimming pools and schools. Anyone who violates the ban by lighting a cigarette within 10 meters of the prohibited area risks a fine of 135 to 700 euros.
“Tobacco must disappear from places where children are also present,” said Health Minister Catherine Vautrin in May, when the ban was announced. “A park, a beach and a school are places to play and learn. Not to smoke.” Vautrin emphasized “the right of children to breathe clean air”.
According to the Minister of Health, the ban is a new step towards a “smoke-free” generation in France. France aims for a tobacco-free generation in 2032. Smoking costs 75,000 French people their lives every year. Passive smoking, for example from being around someone who smokes, is the cause of death of three to five thousand people in France every year.
According to Yves Martinet, the chairman of the National Committee against Smoking, the ban is a step in the right direction. But he still finds it insufficient. For example, the ban does not yet apply to electronic cigarettes. “And flavors are precisely used to attract young people.”
Martinet, who is also a pulmonologist, also regrets that smoking is still allowed on the terrace. “The minister points to the protection of children, but children also go to the terraces.”