France enforces smoking ban in outdoor areas to protect children

France is set to implement a comprehensive smoking ban in various outdoor areas starting July 1, 2025. This initiative is primarily aimed at safeguarding children and promoting public health by limiting tobacco exposure in environments where minors are present, including public parks, gardens, beaches, school zones, bus stops, and sports venues. French Health Minister Catherine Vautrin emphasized that tobacco should not have a place near children, stressing the need to balance personal freedoms with the rights of children to breathe clean air. Individuals caught violating this ban will face fines reaching €135 (€113; $153), an enforcement strategy relying on regular police as well as public self-regulation. The decision to prohibit smoking in these public spaces is echoed by growing support among the public, with reports indicating that nearly 80% of the French population backs smoking bans in open environments. This policy builds upon France's existing framework for anti-smoking legislation, which has seen a decline in tobacco use within the nation over the past several years. The smoking ban is part of a broader strategy to achieve a tobacco-free generation by 2032 and aligns with the ongoing efforts of local municipalities, which over the years have begun to establish smoke-free zones independently. While cafes, especially outdoor terraces, remain exempt from this ban, the new regulations signify a significant step toward reducing tobacco exposure in places frequented by children. These measures highlight a growing movement in France to reshape social norms around smoking, ultimately striving for healthier communities.