June 3, 2025, 9:01 am | Read time: 3 minutes
France Cracks Down: Those who light up a cigarette at beaches, parks, or schools will face hefty fines. The new regulation aims for an ambitious goal–and could change daily life for future generations.
Starting July 1, France will implement a comprehensive smoking ban at many public outdoor locations. The goal is to protect children and reduce the number of smokers. Violations will result in a fine of 135 euros.
Overview
Strict Smoking Ban at Public Places
In the future, smoking will be prohibited at beaches, parks, public gardens, schools, bus stops, and sports facilities. The government is implementing a regulation aimed at significantly expanding non-smoker protection.
The measure primarily aims to protect children from secondhand smoke and make smoking less attractive overall. “My goal is simple and at the same time extremely ambitious: We want to ensure that the children born in 2025 are the first smoke-free generation,” said Health Minister Catherine Vautrin to the newspaper “Ouest France.”
135 Euro Fine for Violations – Enforcement by Municipal Police
Violations of the new ban will be penalized with a fine of 135 euros. The municipal police are responsible for monitoring compliance with the regulation. Many French municipalities had already independently imposed similar smoking bans. The new regulation aims to create a nationwide uniform framework. According to Vautrin, the ban does not apply to outdoor areas of cafes or the smoking of e-cigarettes.
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High Health Costs Due to Smoking
The minister pointed out the dramatic consequences of smoking: “Every year, one in 10 deaths is attributable to smoking.” In France, 75,000 people die annually from the effects of tobacco consumption, which corresponds to over 200 deaths per day. “It is the most common preventable cause of death.” Additionally, lung cancer causes enormous suffering. According to the minister, the economic costs of cancer amount to around 150 billion euros annually.
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Protecting Children from Smoke – Without Enforcing Smoke-Free Zones
The exact extent of the smoke-free area around schools has not yet been definitively regulated. According to Vautrin, this is still to be defined. The goal is to prevent students from leaving school grounds to smoke directly in front of the entrance. Despite the restrictions, Vautrin emphasizes that individual freedom will not be abolished: “You may smoke at home and in permitted areas. The freedom to smoke ends where the right of children to clean air begins.”
The minister stated she cannot accept preventable diseases. It is proven that prevention can significantly reduce risk. A decline is already visible: In 2023, 15.6 percent of 17-year-olds reported smoking regularly—ten years ago, this figure was twice as high.