France will ban smoking outdoors in most places where children are present starting July 1, Minister Catherine Vautrin announced. The restrictions include beaches, parks, public gardens, school surroundings, bus stops, and sports venues.
France will enforce a broad outdoor smoking ban starting July 1, targeting areas frequented by children, Health Minister Catherine Vautrin said. “Tobacco must disappear where there are children,” she told Ouest-France.
“The freedom to smoke stops where children’s right to breathe clean air starts.” The ban excludes café terraces and electronic cigarettes. Violators face fines up to 135 euros ($154).
The move aims to reduce tobacco-related deaths, which total around 75,000 annually in France. A recent survey shows 62% of French citizens support banning smoking in public places.