In a significant move to promote public health, France will enforce a comprehensive ban on smoking in various outdoor public spaces beginning July 1, 2025. Announced by Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin, the legislation prohibits smoking in areas commonly frequented by children, such as beaches, parks, public gardens, bus stops, and zones surrounding schools and sports facilities.
Minister Vautrin emphasized the importance of protecting children from tobacco exposure, stating, “Tobacco must disappear where there are children.” She further noted that the freedom to smoke should not infringe upon children’s right to breathe clean air.
Violators of the new regulations will face fines of €135 (approximately $153). While the ban is extensive, it notably excludes outdoor seating areas of cafés and bars, known as “terrasses,” as well as electronic cigarettes. However, the government is considering future measures to regulate nicotine content and flavorings in vaping products.
The initiative has garnered substantial public backing, with surveys indicating that nearly 80% of French citizens support the ban. France has witnessed a decline in smoking rates, with daily smokers comprising 23.1% of the adult population—the lowest since records began. Despite this progress, tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death in the country, accounting for approximately 75,000 deaths annually.
This legislation is part of France’s broader National Tobacco Control Program (2023–2027), which aims to create a “tobacco-free generation” by 2032. The program includes measures such as increasing tobacco prices, implementing plain packaging, and restricting the sale of vaping products.
France’s approach aligns with a growing European trend toward stricter smoking regulations. Countries like the UK, Spain, and Sweden have implemented similar bans in outdoor public spaces to protect public health and reduce tobacco use.
