France Bans Smoking In Public Places, Beaches & Parks; Violators May Face Fine Of Rs 13,000

4 hours ago 4

ARTICLE AD BOX

Last Updated:June 28, 2025, 13:31 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).

“Tobacco must disappear from places where there are children," Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin had said in May, underscoring “the right of children to breathe pure air". The outdoor areas of cafes and bars – known as terrasses – will be exempt from the ban, BBC quoted her as saying.

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

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.

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

Location :

Paris, France

First Published:

News world France Bans Smoking In Public Places, Beaches & Parks; Violators May Face Fine Of Rs 13,000

Read Entire Article