France has expanded its smoking ban to include beaches, public gardens, and areas near schools. The ban will take effect on July 1st, aiming to protect young people from tobacco’s negative influence. According to Health Minister Catherine Vautrin, “tobacco must disappear where there are children.” This move follows a trend of declining tobacco use in France, with 23% of adults and only 16% of 17-year-olds reporting daily smoking.
The expansion is part of a national plan to reduce tobacco use by 2032. Nearly 7,000 smoke-free zones have already been created by 1,600 cities and towns, including beaches, parks, and ski slopes. The new ban has strong public support, with 78% of respondents wanting to eliminate cigarettes in public spaces.
Tobacco remains the leading preventable cause of death in France, accounting for around 200 deaths per day. The societal cost is estimated at €156 billion annually. To address this issue, Paris has launched a campaign to reduce cigarette butts on its streets.
The ban will not apply to e-cigarettes, which have gained popularity over the past five years. A young student, Ouadere Thevet, supports the measure, stating that restricting smoking spots might encourage people to quit. Thevet’s experience with smoking began in his teens, and he believes this new ban could make a significant impact on reducing tobacco use in France.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/05/30/nx-s1-5418013/france-public-smoking-ban-july