Prohibition of Smoking in Public Areas Such as Beaches, Parks, Shelters, and Schools Starting this Sunday
Sweltering Summer, Say Goodbye to Outdoor Smokes Starting July 1st!
Who doesn't love a summer dip at the beach or a peaceful park stroll? But as the thermostat soars, it's time to ditch the smokes, too! That's right, France is cracking down on outdoor smoking, and starting July 1st, you'll have to find an ashtray indoors or take a hike if you want to light up.
The new smoking ban encompasses a host of popular hangouts, particularly those frequented by children. The list includes public beaches during bathing season, parks, and gardens, transport waiting areas, and the vicinity of libraries, sports facilities (pools, stadiums, and the like), schools, or places hosting minors, as close as 10 meters away, according to the Ministry of Health. Café and restaurant terraces, on the other hand, are not on this list. Moreover, electronic cigarettes are exempt from the ban for now.
France initially planned to implement this ban by the end of 2023 but sped up the process after a heated discussion with Ouest France. The primary goal is clear: protect the youngest generation from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. As Health Minister Catherine Vautrin puts it, " Tobacco has no place where children are."
Care to light up? Time to pay up!
Contrary to initial expectations, there won't be a "pedagogical period" for smokers to get used to the new rules. Those caught puffing away in the restricted zones could face a fourth-class fine, equivalent to approximately 135 euros. And it isn't just a slap on the wrist—the fine could escalate to a whopping 750 euros.
The government also plans to formally define the boundaries of these newly minted "smoke-free zones" in the coming days and introduce distinctive signage for immediate recognition.
Neighboring Countries Keeping Up Appearances
France's anti-tobacco crusade is nothing new, with its roots tracing back to the 1976 Veil law. The latest expansion of smoke-free zones aligns with the national tobacco control program 2023-2027, aiming to generate a tobacco-free generation by 2032. A noble mission that many of France's neighbors seem to be embracing, as well.
Beyond shielding children from secondhand smoke, the extension of smoke-free zones helps to normalize tobacco-free lifestyles. This is crucial in the face of persistent tobacco imagery in films, series, and other media.
However, some criticisms have cropped up. The National Committee against Tobacco (CNCT) feels that while the ban is a step in the right direction, it's still not enough. Concerns mostly revolve around children still being exposed to smoke on restaurant terraces. Some industry representatives are also voicing dissent.
Would-be smokers on café and restaurant terraces looking for a quick fix might find themselves congregating near the establishments instead, as Franck Delvau, president of the Union of Hotels and Catering Industries in Ile-de-France, predicts.
Electronic Cigarettes—A Loophole or a Bright Spot?
The CNCT's other concern lies with electronic cigarettes. The sweet aromas associated with these products often attract adolescents, but they're not included in the outdoor smoking ban for the time being. As Yves Martinet, president of the CNCT, points out, "for a measure to be effective, it must be clear: no consumption of products containing tobacco or nicotine in public."
Despite vocal opposition, the expanded smoking ban in France seems to be gaining traction, with 62% of the French population in favor, according to a survey conducted by the Ligue contre le cancer. Locally, more than 1,600 communes have already experimented with smoke-free zones, making France a pioneer in the movement to create safer, healthier public spaces.
[1] "Santé publique France (2023). Tobacco use in France." [Accessed 26.06.2023][2] "Observatoire France Hospitalizations (2015). Health cost of tobacco in France." [Accessed 26.06.2023][3] "Ligue contre le cancer (2023). Survey on the extension of the outdoor smoking ban in France." [Accessed 26.06.2023][4] "Ministère de la Solidarité et du Handicap (2023). Measures to reduce tobacco use in France." [Accessed 26.06.2023][5] "Ministère de la Santé (2023). New regulations to combat tobacco use in France." [Accessed 26.06.2023]
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