France imposes restrictions on smoking in public spaces.

Beginning July 1, 2025, France will introduce a nationwide smoking ban in various public areas, particularly around schools, parks, and sports facilities, to safeguard children. Catherine Vautrin, France's Health Minister, shared this announcement in an interview with "Ouest France." Those flouting the ban may face fines of up to €135, to be enforced by local authorities.

The minister emphasized, "We aspire to foster the first smoke-free generation among children born in 2025." The new restrictions, which many municipalities have already implemented, are intended to achieve this goal. Notably, smoking in outdoor café areas and e-cigarettes will remain exempt from the ban.

The minister also clarified that the exact perimeter around schools where smoking will be prohibited is still under consideration. The regulation is also intended to discourage students from smoking outside school premises.

Annually, one in ten deaths in France is attributed to smoking, equivalent to approximately 200 deaths per day. By implementing these bans, the government aims to diminish the incidence of tobacco-related illnesses and deaths. Lung cancer, a major contributor to these incidents, provokes immense suffering and imposes hefty costs, estimated at €150 billion per year, on the French healthcare system.

Minister Vautrin insisted that the new bans do not curtail French citizens' freedom to smoke. Instead, she argued that freedom to smoke ceases where children's right to breathe clean air begins. Over the past decade, the proportion of 17-year-olds who smoke has decreased from 31.2% to 15.6%, demonstrating the effectiveness of such measures in discouraging tobacco consumption among young people.

The new rules have garnered broad support among the French public, with 62% favoring bans on smoking in public places, according to a recent survey. As enforcement mostly falls to regular police officers, there is also a hope for public self-regulation and compliance with the new rules.

Science has shown that secondhand smoke can harm children's health, leading to respiratory conditions and potential long-term effects.
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