Paris, May 29, 2025: France is set to implement a comprehensive ban on smoking in all outdoor public areas accessible to children, effective July 1, 2025. The new legislation, announced by Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin, aims to prohibit tobacco use in locations such as beaches, parks, public gardens, school surroundings, bus stops, and sports venues.
Minister Vautrin emphasized the importance of protecting children's right to breathe clean air, stating, "Tobacco must disappear where there are children," and highlighted that the freedom to smoke ends where children's health begins. The ban also targets the prevention of students smoking in front of schools.
Violators of the smoking ban may face fines of up to €135 (approximately $154). Notably, this regulation excludes smoking on France's iconic café terraces as well as the use of electronic cigarettes, which have seen growing popularity in recent years. Smoking restrictions in indoor public spaces such as workplaces, airports, train stations, and playgrounds are already in place.
The government’s decision builds on existing local bans, with over 1,500 municipalities having already restricted smoking in public areas like parks, beaches, and ski resorts. This national move aligns with France’s National Anti-Tobacco Programme 2023–2027, which aims to foster a "tobacco-free generation" by 2032.
France has a notably high smoking rate, with approximately 35% of the population identified as smokers, surpassing European and global averages of 25% and 21%, respectively, according to the World Health Organization. Tobacco-related illnesses cause an estimated 75,000 deaths annually in the country.
Public opinion favors strengthened tobacco control, with 62% of surveyed French citizens supporting bans on smoking in public places. Despite calls from anti-smoking groups for more stringent action, the government does not currently plan to increase cigarette taxes, citing concerns over a black market surge following previous tax hikes.
