France imposes smoking ban on beaches, parks

As of Sunday, anyone lighting up on a beach or in a public park in France will be breaking the law under new regulations designed to shield children from the perils of passive smoking. The ban, published in the official government gazette on Saturday, takes effect just one day after its announcement.

The expanded smoking prohibition also extends to bus shelters and areas in the immediate vicinity of libraries, swimming pools, and schools. This swift implementation, occurring a week before the commencement of school holidays in France, clearly aims to provide immediate protection for children from secondhand smoke in recreational areas.

However, the new rules have drawn disappointment from some anti-tobacco activists, as the ban does not encompass the terraces of bars and restaurants, where many French individuals continue to smoke freely. Activists are also dissatisfied that electronic cigarettes are not included in the prohibition.

Initially, the rules were expected to come into force on Tuesday following a prior announcement by the health ministry. However, their publication in the official gazette brought the implementation forward to Sunday.

Additionally, people are now forbidden from smoking within a 10-meter radius of schools, swimming pools, libraries, and other locations frequented by minors. The health ministry has indicated that it will announce the precise minimum distance for smoking in these areas in the coming days, along with revealing the official signage to designate such zones.

Violators of the ban could face a fine of 135 euros ($160), with a maximum penalty reaching 700 euros. Nevertheless, the health ministry anticipates an initial grace period as the new regulations are communicated to the public.

Catherine Vautrin, the Health and Family Minister, underscored the government’s commitment, stating, “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.” She added that this measure represents another significant step “towards a tobacco-free generation,” a goal France aims to achieve by 2032.