French Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin shared, “The decision is rooted in public health, particularly for children. The freedom to smoke stops where children’s right to breathe clean air starts.”
Beginning July 1, France will implement a nationwide ban on smoking in outdoor public spaces where children are likely to be present. The new law aims to protect minors from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and promote a cleaner, healthier environment. Smoking will be prohibited in locations such as public parks and gardens, beaches, bus and tram stops, areas around schools, and sports venues. Violators could face fines of up to €135 ($154).
French Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin emphasized that the measure is rooted in public health, stating that “the freedom to smoke stops where children’s right to breathe clean air starts.” The initiative is backed by data from Santé Publique France, which reports around 75,000 tobacco-related deaths annually in the country. The government sees this as a vital step toward reducing these figures and discouraging smoking in social environments where children are present.
To ensure compliance, French authorities plan to introduce clear signage and public awareness campaigns. While the new restrictions apply to most outdoor areas associated with family and child activity, two exceptions have been made: smoking will still be permitted on café terraces and the ban does not extend to electronic cigarettes, although further regulations on vaping are under consideration.
The policy is being welcomed by public health advocates as a necessary move to curb tobacco use and safeguard children’s health. With this law, France joins a growing list of countries taking stricter measures to limit smoking in public spaces.
