France announced new regulations banning smoking on beaches, in parks, and in other public spaces as part of an effort to protect public health and the environment, which took effect this week.
The smoking ban applies to all public places where there is exposure to minors, including parks, beaches, bus stops, school environments, swimming pools, and public gardens, aimed at protecting children from passive smoking. The French government emphasizes that data shows 90% of adult smokers began consuming tobacco before turning 18, highlighting the importance of protecting young people from tobacco exposure.
"Tobacco must disappear from places where children are found. Parks, beaches, and schools are places for play, learning, and breathing. Not for smoking," French Health Minister Catherine Wotrin said, according to Deutsche Welle. Wotrin emphasized children's right to breathe clean air and the government's commitment to creating the "first generation that doesn't smoke" by 2030.
Those who violate the smoking ban in designated areas will face a fixed fine of 135 euros ($152), with potential penalties reaching up to 700 euros ($787) for other violations, according to Le Monde. However, the decree published by the government does not explicitly mention electronic cigarettes, leading to disappointment among anti-tobacco activists, as the ban currently applies only to traditional tobacco products.
Smoking remains a health problem in France. According to official data, smoking is responsible for 75,000 deaths per year in the country, with passive smoking contributing to up to 5,000 deaths annually. "This is the most common preventable cause of death," Wotrin said in a press statement.
Despite previous efforts to reduce smoking, more than 30% of adults in France still smoke cigarettes, making France one of the more tobacco-friendly countries in Europe and the world, according to AP. The black market for cigarettes is widespread in France, contributing to challenges in reducing smoking rates.
The new regulations ban smoking at bus stops and within 33 feet of libraries, swimming pools, and schools to better protect children from passive tobacco consumption. However, the smoking ban does not apply to terraces of bars and restaurants where many French people still smoke. This differs from new rules being introduced soon in neighboring Spain, which will apply to terraces.
According to a recent public opinion poll, 62% of the French population supports banning smoking in public places, indicating broad public support for the new regulations. The French Ministry of Health anticipates a transition period during which the population will become familiar with the rules before the smoking ban is enforced, including an initial grace period during which violations will not be severely penalized.
The smoking ban is particularly targeted at places where young people gather, as the Ministry of Health is especially concerned that tobacco remains popular among youth. "We're not banning smoking; we're banning smoking in certain places where it might affect the health of people and young people," said Philippe Berzero, president of the French League Against Cancer. He explained that the goal of the smoking ban is "to promote what we call de-normalization. In people's consciousness, smoking is normal."
Government campaigns to combat smoking in France have long encountered resistance, complicating efforts to change smoking habits and perceptions. Smoking gained glamour in cinema and became integrated into the national image for generations, making reducing smoking rates challenging. Due to tax increases, a pack of cigarettes in France now costs more than 12 euros ($13.50). However, the black market for cigarettes is very widespread, posing additional challenges in tobacco oversight.
The French Center for Monitoring Addictions and Drugs (OFDT) reports that smoking is in constant decline in France, with "the lowest prevalence recorded since 2000." In 2023, about 25% of adults aged 18 to 75 reported daily smoking, down from 30% in 2000.
