France has officially enforced a nationwide ban on smoking in public outdoor spaces including beaches, public parks, bus stops, and areas near schools, as part of a broader strategy to protect children from secondhand smoke.
Effective Sunday, the new restrictions apply during designated swimming seasons and within ten meters of schools, sports facilities, libraries, and youth institutions. However, the ban notably excludes restaurant and café terraces as well as electronic cigarettes.
The French Ministry of Health noted that violations could result in fines ranging from €135 to €750, though an initial public awareness period is in place. Smoking remains a leading cause of death in France, claiming 75,000 lives annually, with passive exposure causing up to 5,000 deaths.
France joins other cities like Milan, London, and Mexico City in tightening tobacco regulations. The move coincides with a pending bill that would permanently bar cigarette sales to individuals born after 2009.
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