It’s published •update
French health minister Katherine Vaultlin announced Thursday that a new smoking ban in outdoor public spaces with children will come into effect from July 1.
Speaking to the French newspaper Ouest France, Vautin said, “Where there are children, smoking must go away,” adding, “a generation without smoke is possible, and it starts now.”
Violation of the ban, part of France’s broader national tobacco control program, announced in November 2023, could be punished with a fine of 135 euros.
In fact, smoking of cigarettes is prohibited in a variety of public places, including beaches, parks, gardens and sports facilities, as well as areas surrounding schools.
The ban does not apply to cafes and bar terraces, but the French Minister of Health refused to rule out similar future bans in these spaces.
Under the plan, e-cigarettes will still be allowed in these spaces, but Vautrin emphasized that the government would “want to lower the allowed nicotine content” on these devices, and that by mid-2026, it would reduce the various flavors available in the market.
The detailed remittance of the prohibition as determined by the French National Council (Conseild’état) – the French advisory body tasked with advising the government on future bills and regulations – has not yet been revealed.
The French health minister said the government relies on “delegates elected to implement practically (prohibitions).”
French public supports the ban
The French government is working on the number of deaths caused by smoking one of its main missions. It is estimated that 75,000 people die from tobacco-related complications in France each year.
In 2023, France’s National Tobacco Management Program is set to develop 26 measures to reduce smoking-related deaths, including raising the price of cigarettes, introducing plain packaging, and banning the sale of vaping products.
A survey conducted by the NGO La Ligue Contre Le Cancer found that eight out of 10 people questioned were in favor of the ban, with 83% in favour of similar e-cigarette laws.
The French action, which follows Thursday’s announcement from the Spanish government, reveals plans to ban smoking in a wide range of locations, including bars and restaurant terraces, university campuses, vehicles used for work purposes, and outdoor sporting events.
