France Bans Smoking In All Public Places; Violators May Face Fine Of Over Rs 13,000

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Last Updated: June 28, 2025, 13:38 IST

The French Health Minister had announced a sweeping ban on smoking in public spaces in May, citing the need to protect children from passive smoking.

Smoking will be banned in all public places in France that are exposed to children (Representative image)

France made good on its promise of a sweeping ban on cigarettes by banning smoking on beaches, parks, public gardens and bus shelters and other places from Sunday (June 29), the government said.

As per the decree, no smoking would be permitted outside libraries, swimming pools and schools. This step is aimed at protecting children from passive smoking, although it does not mention electronic cigarettes. Violators may face a fine of 135 euros (Rs 13,517).

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“Tobacco must disappear from places where there are children,” Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin had said in May, adding that freedom to smoke “stops where children’s right to breathe clean air starts.” The outdoor areas of cafes and bars – known as terrasses – will be exempt from the ban, BBC quoted her as saying.

Some 75,000 people are estimated to die from tobacco-related complications each year in France. According to a recent opinion survey, six out of 10 French people (62%) favour a smoking ban in public places.

The ban was earlier supposed to come in effect from July 1. Widespread measures to ban smoking on beaches, parks and other public places of France were meant to kick in in 2024, but the decree needed to do that was never adopted.

Smoking in establishments like restaurants and nightclubs has been banned in France since 2008.

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France’s National Anti-Tobacco Programme for 2023 to 2027 proposed a smoking ban similar to the one announced by Vautrin, calling for France to “rise to the challenge of a tobacco-free generation from 2032″, according to Daily Mail. The government also came under pressure from acting slowly on implementing these measures.

France’s new law mirrors similar steps in other European countries. Countries like Britain and Sweden have already tightened smoking regulations in public spaces. Sweden banned smoking on outdoor restaurant terraces, at bus stops and near schoolyards in 2019. Spain, meanwhile, is extending its smoking ban to café and restaurant terraces – spaces that remain exempt in France, at least for now.

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More

Location : Paris, France

First Published: June 28, 2025, 13:31 IST

Anyone who lights up on a beach or in a public park in France will be breaking the law from Sunday under new rules aimed at protecting children from the dangers of passive smoking.

Bus shelters and areas in the immediate vicinity of libraries, swimming pools and schools will also be affected by the ban, which is coming into force one day after its publication in the official government gazette on Saturday.

The rule is being imposed one week before the beginning of the school holidays in France in a bid to immediately protect children from smoke on the beach.

However, to the disappointment of some anti-tobacco activists, the ban does not cover the terraces of bars and restaurants where many French still happily smoke.

They are also unhappy that the ban does not apply to electronic cigarettes.

The rules had initially been expected to come into force on Tuesday after a previous announcement by the health ministry but the publication in the official gazette means this has now been brought forward to Sunday.

People should also not smoke within 10 metres of schools, swimming pools, libraries and other places where smoking could hurt minors.

The health ministry said it would soon reveal the sign used to designate such areas.

Violators of the ban could face a fine of 135 euros ($160) up to a maximum of 700 euros.

“Tobacco must disappear from places where there are children. A park, a beach, a school – these are places to play, learn, and breathe. Not for smoking,” health and family minister Catherine Vautrin said.

This is another step “towards a tobacco-free generation”, she added, which France is targeting from 2032.

View image in fullscreen A man smokes next to a French flag in Lyon. Photograph: Laurent Cipriani/AP

Yves Martinet, president of the National Committee Against Smoking (CNCT), said the ban was “a step in the right direction, but remains insufficient”, criticising the continued permission to smoke on cafe terraces.

“The minister points to the protection of children,” but children “also go to the terraces”, said Martinet, who is a pulmonologist.

He lamented the absence of e-cigarettes from the text, saying flavours are used to “hook young people”.

But Frank Delvau, president of the Union of Hotel Trades and Industries (UMIH) for the Paris region, said a ban on smoking on cafe terraces “would only shift the problem because people on terraces would go smoke next to these establishments”.

Franck Trouet, of the hospitality association Hotels and Restaurants of France (GHR), said “smokers and non-smokers can coexist” on terraces, the “last places of conviviality and freedom”.

In France, passive exposure to tobacco smoke causes 3,000 to 5,000 deaths per year, according to official figures.

Smoking is steadily declining in France with “the lowest prevalence ever recorded since 2000”, according to France addiction agency the OFDT.

Less than a quarter of adults aged 18 to 75 reported smoking daily in 2023, according to the agency. Smoking causes 75,000 deaths per year in France and, again according to the OFDT, costs society 156bn euros annually, counting factors including lost lives, quality of life, productivity, prevention, law enforcement and healthcare.

According to a recent opinion survey, 62% of French people favour a smoking ban in public places.

France Unveils Groundbreaking Outdoor Smoking Ban In Public Spaces Popular With Children As Part Of A Bold And Transformative Public Health Strategy

France has made a bold, revolutionary public health initiative with a groundbreaking smoking ban on public places frequented by children. France’s wide-ranging new policy has a strongly protective approach in safeguarding children from tobacco’s dangers, establishing a worldwide benchmark for safety and health. France is taking a leading role with its new bans on smoking in public areas like sports stadiums, beaches, and public parks, establishing healthier, safer environments for generations to come, demonstrating its dedication to public health and safeguarding young citizens.

Travelers heading to France this summer should take note of a significant new law coming into effect on July 1. Under the new regulation, French police will begin imposing hefty fines on individuals who are caught violating the law, which focuses on smoking in outdoor areas frequented by children.

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As reported by the BBC, the French government has introduced a nationwide smoking ban in all public outdoor spaces regularly visited by minors. This includes popular areas such as beaches, parks, playgrounds, public gardens, bus stops, and sports venues. The aim is to protect children from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and promote a healthier environment for young people across the country.

The new law marks a significant expansion of France’s longstanding effort to combat smoking and reduce its impact on public health. While the use of electronic cigarettes is currently not subject to the same restrictions as traditional tobacco products, French Health Minister Frédéric Vautrin has announced plans to introduce further measures that will regulate the nicotine content in e-cigarettes, reflecting growing concerns about their health implications.

Under the new law, individuals caught smoking in prohibited outdoor areas will face a fine of €135 (approximately £113 or \$153). This fine aims to deter smokers from lighting up in places where children are likely to be exposed to tobacco smoke, such as playgrounds, sports fields, and even bus stops.

France has a long history of implementing measures to reduce smoking rates, particularly in public spaces. Since 2008, the country has banned smoking indoors in all public venues, including restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightclubs. This has played a significant role in reducing exposure to second-hand smoke, and the new outdoor smoking ban is seen as an extension of these efforts to protect public health.

For travelers coming from the UK, the new law in France may take some getting used to. While the UK has strict smoking regulations that prohibit smoking in enclosed public spaces, such as workplaces and restaurants, the rules are not as stringent when it comes to outdoor smoking. In the UK, smoking is still permitted in many outdoor areas, as long as they are not enclosed or specifically designated as smoke-free zones. The contrast between the two countries’ approaches to smoking in public spaces could be an adjustment for visitors.

The new law is part of France’s broader public health strategy, which includes measures aimed at reducing smoking rates across all demographics. In recent years, the French government has taken a strong stance on smoking, with efforts to increase public awareness about the dangers of tobacco and encourage smokers to quit. The new outdoor smoking ban is one of the most ambitious steps taken to further this agenda, and it is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s smoking culture.

Although some individuals may find the law inconvenient or challenging to adhere to, the French government argues that these regulations are essential for safeguarding the health of future generations. By implementing such measures, France is sending a strong message about the importance of protecting children from the dangers of smoking and second-hand smoke exposure.

For tourists visiting France, it will be important to be mindful of this new regulation and respect the designated smoke-free zones, particularly when visiting outdoor locations popular with families and children. The French authorities are expected to enforce the law strictly, and visitors who ignore the ban could find themselves facing a substantial fine.

In addition to the outdoor smoking restrictions, the French government is also working on regulating e-cigarettes more rigorously. Although e-cigarettes are currently exempt from the existing tobacco regulations, the health ministry has announced plans to introduce new restrictions on their nicotine content. These changes are expected to impact the availability and use of e-cigarettes in France, especially in public spaces.

The move to ban smoking in outdoor spaces frequented by children is part of a wider trend across Europe and other parts of the world to reduce the impact of tobacco use on public health. Many countries have implemented similar measures in recent years, focusing on creating smoke-free environments in public spaces where children and non-smokers are most likely to be exposed to tobacco smoke.

In the UK, smoking regulations have been in place since 2007, when it became illegal to smoke in enclosed public spaces and workplaces. While outdoor smoking is still allowed in many areas, there are increasing calls for more comprehensive smoke-free outdoor policies, especially in places where children gather. The UK has already made strides in reducing smoking in public spaces, but some advocates argue that stricter outdoor smoking bans could be the next step in protecting the health of the public.

As the new law in France comes into effect this summer, travelers to the country will need to stay informed about the regulations and take care to avoid smoking in prohibited areas. Whether enjoying a day at the beach, visiting a park, or attending a local sports event, visitors should be mindful of the designated smoking zones to avoid fines and ensure they are following local laws.

France has implemented a historic smoking ban in public open areas most often frequented by children, establishing a new benchmark in public health. The dramatic action seeks to protect young children from unhealthy tobacco exposure while advocating a healthier, tobacco-free environment.

Overall, the new smoking restrictions in France reflect a growing global movement toward reducing tobacco use and protecting public health, particularly for children. With stricter laws and heightened awareness about the dangers of smoking, France is positioning itself as a leader in tobacco control, setting an example for other countries to follow.

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Open this photo in gallery: A smoking ban in parks is part of France’s move to address second-hand smoke near children.SIEGFRIED MODOLA/The Globe and Mail

The country that made smoking look glamorous, sexy and cool is now going further than most in trying to stamp out the habit.

As of July 1, France will ban smoking in nearly all public spaces, including parks, beaches, public gardens and bus stops. Violations carry a fine of as much as €135, or $212, and just about the only exceptions are France’s iconic café terraces and electronic cigarettes.

It’s all part of a move by the country’s Health Ministry to address second-hand smoke anywhere near children.

“Tobacco is poison: it kills, it costs money, it pollutes. And above all, it targets our young people,” Health Minister Catherine Vautrin said in a statement last month as she announced the new restrictions. She added: “Our goal is clear: a generation without tobacco. And we have the means to achieve it.”

Polls show the ban has widespread support, and the number of people who smoke in France has fallen to historic lows – less than 25 per cent of adults light up.

Blowing smoke: Big Tobacco is getting a whole new generation hooked on nicotine

But for some it’s still hard to imagine France going smokeless after decades of romanticizing cigarettes in film, fashion and culture.

The image of smokey Parisian cafés filled with stylish people chatting over cigarettes has been ingrained in our consciousness. And who can forget Brigitte Bardot or Catherine Deneuve lounging seductively in countless films, a cigarette dangling from their lips? Or fashion icon Coco Chanel, who reportedly smoked 50 cigarettes a day?

Open this photo in gallery: The amount of people who smoke in France has fallen to historic lows – less than 25 per cent of adults light up.SIEGFRIED MODOLA/The Globe and Mail

“The ban won’t work,” said Giovanni Vannomi as he took a drag on a cigarette last week during a break from his job as a tour guide at the Louvre. “If they try to enforce it, they are going to start another revolution here.”

Over in the Tuileries Garden, Laila Alem sat on a patch of grass with three friends, each of them enjoying the warm spring evening and a newly lit cigarette. She too was dead set against the restriction.

“I understand if it’s for the children and near schools. But here, there is a big space. I don’t understand why the ban is everywhere, like all the parks and not only near the children’s area,” Ms. Alem said, thrusting her cigarette forward to make a point.

Sitting across from her, James Balde waved off her concerns and said the ban made sense and might even force him to stop smoking. “It’s a good idea,” he said. “On July 1, I will quit smoking.”

But he was not convinced that many French smokers will comply. “If you come back on July 2 or July 10, or even next year, people will be smoking here. If you don’t have a policeman or security, they won’t stop.”

Next to him, Catherine Guyot had a more cynical assessment of the motivation behind the ban. “The government just needs money, that’s why,” she said, referring to the fines. She also doubted that any of them would stop smoking. “We all smoke a lot,” she said.

Across from the garden, Anthony Fontaine was far more upbeat about the measure.

“I don’t think it’s a bad idea,” he said as he enjoyed a cigarette while sitting on a bench outside the Louvre. “It’s going to be complicated to make it effective, especially for the French. But other than that, it’s pretty positive, just to keep parks clean from those who don’t really dispose of their cigarettes where they should.”

Open this photo in gallery: The ban takes effect July 1, and covers parks, beaches, public gardens and bus stops.SIEGFRIED MODOLA/The Globe and Mail

France isn’t the only European country taking a tougher line on smoking.

Spain is close to adopting regulations to ban both smoking and vaping from school playgrounds, university campuses, bus shelters, outdoor entertainment venues and terraces. The Italian city of Milan has extended its already strict outdoor ban to include streets and crowded public areas. And the British Parliament is expected to approve legislation soon that the government says will create the first smoke-free generation by making it illegal for anyone 15 or younger to ever buy cigarettes.

Not surprisingly, the tobacco industry has pushed back. Cigarette makers argue sweeping prohibitions are ineffective and say it’s not clear that smoking in parks or on beaches poses a major health risk to non-smokers.

Smokers visiting France this summer won’t be immune from the ban or the fine, and many may find the restrictions something of a shock.

Margarita Pidrasa, who was visiting Paris from Santiago, last week, was incredulous when told that she and her husband, Alberto Labbe, would soon be unable to smoke in the square outside the Louvre. “Where are the signs that say this?” she asked as she looked around the giant space.

They both agreed with the government’s desire to protect children, but felt tourists should be better informed about the penalty.

Even if there were a “No Smoking” sign around, Mr. Labbe said, he probably would still fire up an illicit smoke in the park or on the beach. “No, I will keep smoking,” he said with a smile as he finished off a cigarette while standing under a shady tree. Then he dropped the butt in the dirt, ground it with his foot and headed off with his wife to rejoin their tour group.

Some of tobacco’s old flames – Spain and France – are looking to introduce outdoor smoking bans to curb the deadly habit among young people, a plan which could end up fizzling out.

In late May, France’s health minister, Catherine Vautrin, announced that the government will ban smoking on beaches, in public gardens, at bus stops, and near schools starting 1 July to protect children.

“Where there are children, tobacco must disappear,” Vautrin said in an interview with the newspaper Ouest France.

And for good reason: While fewer than 25% of French adults now smoke daily, uptake is rising among young people, and approximately 75,000 deaths per year are attributed to smoking-related illnesses.

Spain has gone even further. A leaked draft law revealed that the country will move forward with outdoor smoking bans on terraces and other public spaces – not just for cigarettes, but also for vapes and heated tobacco products.

Their health minister, Monica García, said she hoped the ban, along with other plans to raise taxes on tobacco products, would put the country at “the forefront of the fight against smoking.”

A long way to go

According to recent opinion surveys, six out of ten French people favour banning smoking in public places – with similar

figures

for Spaniards in favour of their outdoor smoking proposal.

The Commission suggested extended smoking bans in 2024, and more countries – like Italy and Belgium – are expected to introduce stringent outdoor smoking laws this year. However, Europe is still far from a tobacco-free public open-air space.

Resistance comes from many sides: industry, far-right politicians, and everyday smokers with famously hard-to-kick habits.

Both Spain and France, for example, have significant infrastructure dedicated to smoking that could be difficult to remove overnight – such as ashtrays near benches, outside workplaces, and around parks and beaches.

The Spanish health minister himself admitted that the law still faces many hurdles, including a complicated parliamentary process. In an interview with El País García said: “I hope we don’t give in to the lobbies that are exerting significant pressure, as they always have. And the tobacco lobby is doing its job.”

Do bans work?

On the lobbying front, she’s right. Tobacco Europe, a Brussels-based lobby group, said it opposes blanket bans, arguing they could end up stigmatising smokers and have a “negative impact on the economic and social life of a community.”

Germany’s biggest tobacco group, BVTE, echoed that point: “This is about patronising smokers and driving them out of public spaces. The French government has not even investigated whether there is actually a health risk to non-smokers in the outdoor areas affected.”

According to The World Health Organization, there are “no safe levels” of second-hand smoke exposure. Banning outdoor smoking could help reduce the number of preventable deaths linked to tobacco use, as well as the burden on healthcare systems. Studies link second-hand smoke to lung cancer and heart disease in non-smokers.

For Lilia Olefir, director the anti-tobacco organisation Smoke Free Partnership, bans aren’t just about the health risks of second-hand smoke exposure, but also about making smoking less attractive.

“When smoking bans in bars were first introduced, they faced resistance and were seen as radical. Today, they are widely accepted,” she told Euractiv.

More than bans

For

l’Alliance contre le tabac (ACT)

, France’s only major anti-tobacco group, the country’s ban on outdoor smoking is an “important” step towards reaching a tobacco-free generation by 2032.

An ACT spokesperson stressed that more effort is still needed to fight against the “public health and environmental emergency caused by the tobacco industry.”

The NGO pointed to the UK’s tobacco legislation to serve as a guide for France – which has pushed even more hardline measures such as banning tobacco sales to young people born after 2009.

Olefir of Smoke Free Partnership is on the same page: “Focusing solely on individual behaviour while leaving industry practices unchecked is insufficient. To counter the tobacco epidemic, countries need to act across several fronts.”

That could include banning tobacco advertising, implementing plain brown packaging, or introducing higher excise taxes.

Missing from France’s government proposal is an explanation of why young people have been turning to smoking and vaping more, or any attempts to tackle root causes such as stress or poverty. Spain, on the other hand, is teasing a plan in its draft Royal Decree to boost resources available to those who want to quit.

Brussels not on the same page

As bans make their way to countries’ beaches, pressure is mounting for Brussels to revise its legislation even further and push for new taxation laws that include novel tobacco products. The question is whether

the EU should regulate vapes and other nicotine products in the same way as traditional smokes, including for outdoor smoking.

It will be politically tricky, though, as the Commission has scrapped legislation on tobacco from its 2025 work programme.

Even when the Parliament put forward a non-binding – i.e. mostly symbolic – resolution on smoke-free environments in November 2024, which MEPs expected would pass without much pushback, lawmakers failed to align on the same page.

With a pro-industry drift in EU tobacco laws, the future of outdoor smoking bans across the bloc hangs in the air – and could very well go up in smoke.

(aw)