Paris: Starting July 1, 2025, France will implement a comprehensive ban on smoking in all outdoor areas where children may be present, including beaches, parks, bus stops, public gardens, school surroundings, and sports venues. Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin announced the new legislation aimed at protecting children's right to breathe clean air.
France, known for its smoking culture in cafes and public terraces, has progressively introduced stricter tobacco regulations in public spaces over recent years. The latest policy extends these restrictions to outdoor locations frequently accessed by children. "Tobacco must disappear where there are children," Vautrin emphasized in an interview published by Ouest-France.
The ban seeks to curb smoking near schools by prohibiting students from smoking in front of educational institutions. Violators will face fines of up to 135 euros ($154). However, the regulation excludes France's traditional cafe terraces and does not cover the use of electronic cigarettes, which remain popular nationwide.
Existing tobacco controls in France already prohibit smoking in indoor workplaces, airports, train stations, and playgrounds. Anti-smoking advocates have long called for expanding these measures to further restrict tobacco use in public outdoor spaces.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 35 percent of the French population smokes, surpassing the European average of 25 percent and the global average of 21 percent. Tobacco-related diseases claim roughly 75,000 lives annually in France.
Public opinion supports the initiative, with a recent survey indicating 62 percent of French citizens favor banning smoking in public areas. The government's National Anti-Tobacco Programme for 2023–2027 aims to achieve a tobacco-free generation by 2032, aligning with this new measure.
Despite the broad municipal bans already adopted by over 1,500 French towns on smoking in parks, beaches, and ski resorts, some anti-tobacco groups have criticized perceived delays in enforcing nationwide legislation.
Minister Vautrin also stated there are currently no plans to raise cigarette taxes further, citing concerns over the thriving black market that emerged following previous tax increases.
