France Bans Smoking In Public Places: Here's Where It's Now Prohibited

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In a big move, France has banned smoking in public places, including beaches, parks, gardens, and bus shelters, the French government announced. Smoking is now also prohibited outside libraries, swimming pools, and schools to protect children from passive smoking.

The decree, published in the official government gazette on Saturday, will come into enforcement starting June 29 (Sunday). Those who violate the ban will face a fine of 135 euros ($158). There is no mention of electronic cigarettes in the government’s order.

“Tobacco must disappear from places where there are children,” Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin had said in May, emphasising “the right of children to breathe pure air,” reported the AFP. The outdoor areas of cafes and bars – known as terrasses – will be exempt from the ban, BBC quoted her as saying.

The ban was earlier supposed to come into effect on July 1.

According to a recent opinion survey, 62 percent of French people favour a smoking ban in public places. Approximately 75,000 people die each year in France from tobacco-related complications.

(With agency inputs)