France To Ban Smoking In Outdoor Public Spaces
Paris: In a landmark move to protect children from the health hazards caused by passive smoking, France is soon to ban smoking in outdoor public areas where children and teenagers are likely to visit. The policy was announced by Minister of Labor, Health, and Families Catherine Vautrin in an interview to Ouest-France on Thursday and will come into effect from 1 July this year.
"Where kids are present, tobacco must be gone," said Vautrin, highlighting the government's firm position in creating a healthier environment for the younger generation. The ban will be imposed in beaches, parks, public gardens, school environments, bus stops, and sports centers—all typical areas where children likely to be present.
Failure to obey the new rules on smoking in schools will carry a Class 4 fine of €135, the minister stated. She added that there is freedom to smoke "but it ends where children's right to breathe clean air begins." The details of the exact perimeter of the ban within schools are being finalized with the Council of State. Practical enforcement of the regulations will be put into the hands of locally elected members of parliament.
The ban is also to be applied to middle schools and high schools with the aim of discouraging pupils from smoking near school premises—a frequently raised concern by health officials and parents.
However, « café terraces » and e-cigarettes are not yet under the new regulations. Nevertheless, the Health Ministry is working on further regulations on e-cigarettes, with a view to setting limits on nicotine levels and flavour options. These reforms are to come into effect by mid-2026, pending scientific and technical evaluation.
The measure is part of a broader 2023 – 2027 National Tobacco Control Program, introduced by ex-Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau. The project aims to achieve the ambitious target of reducing tobacco consumption to zero by 2032, thus generating a "tobacco-free generation."
Anti-smoking groups have been demanding tougher measures from the government for long. Thursday's action was welcomed by public health activists, with the League Against Cancer terming it as a "welcome addition" to France's anti-smoking legislation.
"Extended areas of smoke-free zones not only protect against passive smoking, which is lethal, but also discourage young people from becoming smokers," the League said.
Yves Martinet, president of the National Committee Against Smoking (CNCT), further said that the law is "effective and tested" in reducing the rate of smoking and the stopping of smoking
The general public appears to support tougher measures on smoking. In a recent survey published by the League Against Cancer, 62% of French nationals expressed they would prefer more extensive bans on smoking in public places.
Public enthusiasm has been matched by local action. Over 1,600 cities and towns have already designated smoke-free zones around schools, beaches, ski resorts, and parks. Such initiatives, backed by the League Against Cancer, have created over 7,000 smoke-free zones nationwide.
Current ban that exists - at work, outdoors, in playgrounds—is already "fairly well respected," says Philippe Bergerot, head of the League.
Despite all these policies, smoking remains a massive health crisis in France, killing an estimated 75,000 people every year. New statistics indicate that 29.2% of French adults—or roughly 16.4 million people—are smokers. Among youths, the prevalence of smoking is 6.2%.
Economic disincentives have already been promised by the government as part of its strategy. A pack of cigarettes will cost €13 by 2027, up from €12 this year.
news