Implementation of a smoking prohibition in public areas across France.
France to Extend Smoking Ban to Outdoor Public Areas from July to Protect Children
Beginning July 1, 2025, the French government will broaden its smoking ban to encompass several outdoor public areas to safeguard young people from tobacco exposure. The ban will be implemented in specified locations, such as:
- French beaches, where smoking will be prohibited
- Public parks and gardens, to ensure cleaner air
- Areas near schools, including middle and high schools, to prevent students from smoking in front of educational institutions
- Public transport stops, like bus shelters, to preserve cleaner air in transportation hubs
- Sports facilities, including sports grounds and other sports venues, to promote a healthier environment for physical activities.
However, cultural venues like terrasses (outdoor café seating areas) will be exempt from the ban to preserve cultural traditions.
Individuals found violating the new smoking ban may face a fine of €135. Enforcement will principally be carried out by regular police officers, with hopes for self-regulation among the populace.
This expansion of smoke-free zones is part of a national plan to decrease tobacco use and achieve a tobacco-free generation by 2032. Health Minister Catherine Vautrin stressed, "tobacco must disappear where there are children," and that the freedom to smoke ends where children's right to breathe clean air begins.
- As part of the French community policy, a national plan is being implemented to extend the smoking ban, aiming at creating smoke-free zones for a tobacco-free generation by 2032, focusing particularly on areas where children are present, such as sports facilities and areas near schools.
- To bolster the workplace-wellness agenda, the employment policy in France requires employers to maintain a non-smoking environment in designated places, such as sports facilities and outdoors in public areas like parks and beaches, propagating health-and-wellness attitudes and practices.
- Mental-health considerations are also included in the updated employment policy; as a result, therapies-and-treatments will be encouraged to help employees deal with stress and other mental-health issues, making the workplace a more supportive environment for fitness-and-exercise, and overall wellness.
