France will enforce a nationwide ban on smoking in outdoor areas frequented by children — including beaches, parks, bus stops, and spaces outside schools — beginning July 1, Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin announced on Thursday, May 29.
The move is part of France’s ongoing effort to tighten tobacco regulations in public places. “Tobacco must disappear where there are children,” Vautrin stated in an interview with Ouest-France. She emphasised that the right to smoke ends where a child’s right to breathe clean air begins.
The new measure will also prohibit smoking in front of schools to discourage student smoking. Violators may face fines of up to €135 ($154).
However, the ban will not apply to the country’s iconic café terraces. E-cigarettes are also exempt from the new restrictions.
France already bans smoking in many public places, including workplaces, airports, train stations, and playgrounds. Still, anti-smoking advocates had long pushed for stronger restrictions.
With around 35% of the population identifying as smokers—well above the European average of 25%—France is taking further steps to combat tobacco use and protect public health.
