The French government is set to implement a nationwide ban on smoking in outdoor areas frequented by children, including beaches, parks, and school zones. Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin made the announcement in an interview with Ouest-France, emphasizing the need for children's right to fresh air. While outdoor cafés and bars will remain exempt, violations of this new regulation will be punishable by a fine of €135. Vautrin noted that smoking rates in France have been declining, with the current daily smoking population at an all-time low of 23.1%. Significant health concerns linked to smoking remain, as over 75,000 deaths annually can be attributed to tobacco-related illnesses. Public support for smoking bans is growing, with nearly 80% of French citizens favoring restrictions in public recreational spaces.
France Announces Comprehensive Ban on Smoking in Child-Friendly Outdoor Areas
France Announces Comprehensive Ban on Smoking in Child-Friendly Outdoor Areas
New regulations to prohibit smoking in various outdoor settings aimed at protecting children's health are set to take effect on July 1, 2024.
In a bid to enhance public health, France will initiate a ban on smoking in all outdoor areas where children are likely to be present, starting July 1, 2024. This sweeping regulation, announced by Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin, targets beaches, parks, bus stops, and other spaces near schools, to ensure that "tobacco must disappear where there are children."
Vautrin clarified that outdoor cafés and bar terraces will remain exempt from these rules, allowing smokers to continue in those areas. Moreover, any infractions of this new policy will result in a €135 fine, and she expressed confidence in police enforcement while advocating for a degree of "self-regulation" among the public.
While electronic cigarettes are currently excluded from the ban, Vautrin indicated plans to impose nicotine limits on these devices. Recent statistics show that 23.1% of the French population smokes daily, marking a decline from previous years. The French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction attributed over 75,000 deaths to smoking-related complications annually, reinforcing the urgency for public health measures.
France has already witnessed voluntary smoking bans across more than 1,500 municipalities, with numerous beaches adopting non-smoking policies, reflecting a strong public support of nearly 80% in favor of such measures. The past plan to extend a smoking ban to various public places was postponed, but this new mandate marks a significant step towards reducing tobacco consumption in public spaces.
Vautrin clarified that outdoor cafés and bar terraces will remain exempt from these rules, allowing smokers to continue in those areas. Moreover, any infractions of this new policy will result in a €135 fine, and she expressed confidence in police enforcement while advocating for a degree of "self-regulation" among the public.
While electronic cigarettes are currently excluded from the ban, Vautrin indicated plans to impose nicotine limits on these devices. Recent statistics show that 23.1% of the French population smokes daily, marking a decline from previous years. The French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction attributed over 75,000 deaths to smoking-related complications annually, reinforcing the urgency for public health measures.
France has already witnessed voluntary smoking bans across more than 1,500 municipalities, with numerous beaches adopting non-smoking policies, reflecting a strong public support of nearly 80% in favor of such measures. The past plan to extend a smoking ban to various public places was postponed, but this new mandate marks a significant step towards reducing tobacco consumption in public spaces.
