The French government is lighting the way to a healthier future by stamping out smoking in most outdoor public spaces where children gather. From 1st July, puffing a cigarette on beaches, in parks or near schools could land smokers with a hefty fine as the nation takes a firm stand for cleaner air and a cleaner conscience.
Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin last week announced that smoking will be outlawed in outdoor spaces frequented by children, including playgrounds, public gardens, sports venues and bus shelters. The aim is to shield younger generations from the dangers of second-hand smoke and the pollution left behind by cigarette butts.
“Tobacco must disappear wherever children are present,” Vautrin told Ouest-France, highlighting a cultural shift in a country once defined by its smoky cafés and laissez-faire attitude toward smoking.
The crackdown doesn’t end with public health. France is also targeting the staggering 20,000 to 25,000 tonnes of cigarette litter discarded on its streets each year.
From 1st July, lighting up in restricted areas could result in a €135 fine. While café terraces and e-cigarettes are not included in the ban, the message is clear: the public space for smoking in France is rapidly disappearing.
This landmark policy marks the latest chapter in France’s long-running campaign against tobacco. After indoor smoking bans rolled out in 2007 and 2008, the number of daily smokers has dropped dramatically, with tobacco sales falling by over 11% in 2024 alone. The French Observatory for Drugs and Addiction now reports that fewer than one in four adults smoke daily, the lowest figure since the 1990s.
The move follows in the footsteps of the UK, parts of Spain, and Sweden, which have already imposed similar restrictions in outdoor public spaces. The move has strong public backing, with over 60% of French citizens support the ban.
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Photo credit: Huzaifa Ginwala, Unsplash