Smoking is facing stricter regulations in France as the government aims to reduce tobacco use. Recently, the French government announced a new ban on smoking in public places, with some exceptions. Outdoor areas of cafes and bars, known as terrasses, will not be included in this ban, allowing patrons to enjoy their drinks and meals in the fresh air.
The new rules come with a fine of €135 for those caught breaking them. Regular police will enforce the ban, but officials believe in the importance of self-regulation among the public as well. While electronic cigarettes are exempt from the ban, there are plans to limit the nicotine content in these products.
According to the French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, the smoking rate in France has dropped to its lowest level, with only 23.1% of the population smoking daily. This is a significant decrease from previous years. However, smoking remains a serious health issue, with over 75,000 deaths each year attributed to tobacco-related illnesses, accounting for 13% of all deaths in the country.
Smoking in restaurants and nightclubs has been banned since 2008. Although there were plans to extend this ban to beaches, parks, and other public spaces in 2024, a necessary decree was not adopted. Despite this, more than 1,500 municipalities have already taken steps to ban smoking in public areas, and many beaches have been smoke-free for years.
A recent survey by La Ligue Contre le Cancer, a French cancer association, revealed that nearly 80% of the population supports a ban on smoking in public spaces, including woodlands, beaches, and parks. This growing public support reflects a shift in attitudes toward smoking and a desire for cleaner, healthier environments.