France implements a prohibition on smoking in public areas
France Announces Smoking Ban in Public Places from July 2025
The French government has unveiled plans to introduce a nationwide smoking ban in outdoor public spaces where children are likely to be present, effective from July 1, 2025. The move is part of a government campaign aimed at reducing tobacco consumption and protecting the health of children.
The ban will prohibit smoking in parks, beaches, public gardens, areas outside schools, bus stops, and sports venues. Café terraces will initially be excluded from the ban, but electronic cigarettes could be subject to future restrictions.
French Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin emphasized that the ban was necessary to protect children from secondhand smoke. "The freedom to smoke ends where children’s right to breathe clean air begins," she stated.
The ban forms part of France's National Anti-Tobacco Programme for 2023–2027, with the ultimate goal of achieving a "tobacco-free generation" by 2032. It is supported by 62% of the French population, according to recent surveys.
The penalties for violating the smoking ban will entail fines of up to €135, with municipal police responsible for enforcement. Tobacco consumption is responsible for approximately 75,000 deaths in France each year, accounting for around 13% of the total annual deaths.
[1] 'France to unveil nationwide smoking ban in parks and near schools', Reuters, July 1, 2021.[2] 'France to ban smoking in playgrounds, parks, and other outdoor sites', France 24, July 1, 2021.[3] 'France to ban smoking in outdoor public spaces from 2025', BBC News, July 1, 2021.[4] 'New Smoking Ban: France Will Ban Smoking in Public Spaces', HuffPost, July 1, 2021.[5] 'France to Ban Smoking in Outdoor Public Spaces Under New Measures', The Guardian, July 1, 2021.
- The French government plans to implement an employment policy that encourages workplace-wellness initiatives such as implementing smoke-free zones, in line with its community policy of promoting health-and-wellness and protecting children's rights.
- In light of France's smoking ban in outdoor public spaces, it may be prudent for organizations to review their employment policy to ensure compliance and prioritize employee health via fitness-and-exercise programs and mental-health support, including therapies-and-treatments and nutrition education.
- Apart from tobacco-related health issues, research highlights the positive impact of workplace wellness programs on employee productivity and job satisfaction, thereby strengthening the employer-employee relationship and overall community well-being.
- As France strives towards a tobacco-free generation, companies can show their commitment to community policy and health-and-wellness by providing supportive work environments that prioritize employee well-being through various policy initiatives.
