France bans smoking in parks, beaches & near schools - Break this rule and pay €135
Photo: France bans smoking in public places (Getty Images)
A new ban on smoking in public places has come into force in France. From now on, smoking on beaches, in parks, near schools, libraries, swimming pools, and bus stops is prohibited, reports The Guardian.
The ban has been in effect since Sunday, June 29, immediately following the publication of the relevant decree in the official government bulletin. This measure is aimed at protecting children from passive smoking, especially ahead of the summer holidays.
Violators will face a fine of €135, or, in some cases, up to €700.
"Tobacco must disappear from places where there are children. A park, a beach, a school – these are places to play, learn, and breathe. Not for smoking," said health and family minister Catherine Vautrin.
This is another step toward the government's goal of creating a "tobacco-free generation" by 2032.
What exactly is banned
As of June 29, smoking is forbidden in the following places in France:
- on beaches and in parks
- within 10 meters of schools, swimming pools, and libraries
- at bus stops
However, the new rules do not apply to café and restaurant terraces, which has sparked criticism among anti-smoking activists. The ban also does not extend to electronic cigarettes, even though experts warn that their flavors often appeal to young people.
Despite these exceptions, surveys show that 62% of French citizens support smoking restrictions in public areas. According to official statistics, passive smoking causes between 3,000 and 5,000 deaths annually in France. In total, tobacco kills around 75,000 people in the country each year.
Data from the Addiction Agency indicates that the share of smokers in France is now at its lowest level since 2000. In 2023, fewer than one in four adults aged 18 to 75 smoked daily.
As for Ukraine, smoking in prohibited areas is punishable by a fine ranging from $2 to $6, depending on the number of violations. The ban covers traditional cigarettes, electronic devices, hookahs, and herbal mixtures. No-smoking areas include educational institutions, hospitals, cafés, playgrounds, building entrances, public transport, and other public spaces.
