No More Smoke on Beaches and in Parks – France Introduces Strict Smoking Ban

“Where there are children, tobacco must disappear”

France has decided to introduce a nationwide ban on smoking in public spaces such as beaches, parks, public gardens, bus stops, areas around schools, and sports facilities, effective from July 1 this year. The new regulations, part of the National Tobacco Control Program for 2023–2027, aim to protect children from second-hand smoke and create a “tobacco-free generation” by 2032.

— Where there are children, tobacco must disappear — said the Minister of Health and Families, Catherine Vautrin.

This ban, though extensive, does not cover outdoor café terraces or electronic cigarettes. A fine of €135 is imposed for violations. The new regulations are another step in the fight against the smoking epidemic, which, despite a declining number of smokers, remains a serious health issue in France.

According to the latest report by the French Observatory for Drugs and Drug Addiction Trends (OFDT), the percentage of adult French people who smoke daily has dropped to a record low of 23 percent, but smoking still accounts for about 75,000 premature deaths annually.

The French government hopes that these restrictions will not only protect children and young people from second-hand smoke but also change social attitudes and further reduce the smoking rate among citizens.

Public Perception and Future Plans

The French initiative could prove to be a groundbreaking step towards building a tobacco-free society. Minister Vautrin also announced a plan to reduce the nicotine content and the number of available flavors in e-cigarettes by mid-2026 to make them less appealing to young people.

This is a response to the growing popularity of e-cigarettes among young people, who are increasingly turning to them instead of traditional cigarettes but still face the risk of nicotine addiction. The introduction of the public smoking ban has been met with broad public support in France – according to surveys, as many as 78 percent of French people support such regulations. Experts emphasize that it is precisely the change in social norms, not just sanctions, that can play a key role in the fight against smoking.

Examples from other countries show that long-term strategies, including not only bans but also education, health promotion, and support for addicted individuals, can bring tangible health benefits for society as a whole. France’s decision is therefore not only a response to local challenges but also part of a global movement to reduce the impact of tobacco on public health. It is also an important signal to other countries that the fight against smoking is not just a matter of individual choices but, above all, a state’s responsibility for the health of its citizens.