France bans smoking in parks, beaches and sports facilities from 1 July
The announcement comes from Health Minister Catherine Vautrin, whose goal is to have a smoke-free generation by 2032. Exceptions are terrasses and electronic cigarettes
2' min read
2' min read
France will experience a summer free of cigarette smoking: as of 1 July, the consumption of tobacco will be banned on "beaches, public parks and gardens, school grounds, bus shelters, and sports facilities".
Target: 'smoke-free' generation
.This was announced by Health and Family Affairs Minister Catherine Vautrin in an interview with the regional newspaper Ouest-France. "Tobacco must disappear from places frequented by children," said the minister. For those who do not respect the ban, there will be fines from 135 euros.
Vautrin's initiative is part of France's national programme to combat tobacco use, initiated by former Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau. The goal is to have a smoke-free generation by 2032.
An estimated 35 per cent of the population across the Alps are smokers, a higher percentage than the European (25 per cent) and world (21 per cent) averages, according to the World Health Organisation. While it has been calculated that cigarette smoking-related deaths in the country are 75,000 per year.
Where smoking is already prohibited and exceptions
In 2008, smoking was banned in restaurants and nightclubs in France, a ban that has since been extended to workplaces, airports and railway stations, as well as children's playgrounds. Anti-smoking associations are pushing for the ban to be extended further.
