France to ban common object in public places from July 1 with hefty fines

Wales Online

5 days ago

France to ban common object in public places from July 1 with hefty fines
The new rule could catch people out if they're not aware before heading to the country this summer
Tourists visiting France this summer will need to be aware of the new rules - or risk fines
(Image: Getty )
People taking summer holidays in France must be aware of a new rule starting in July. Failure to follow the new law could result in a serious fine from the local police.
According to a BBC report, France will enforce a major smoking ban in public places from July 1, including beaches, parks, public gardens, outside schools, bus stops and at sports venues. The measure has been approved in order to help limit the damage that smoking has on young children.
‌
Smoking cigarettes is common in France. An estimated 16.4 million people aged 15 and older use tobacco products, according to Global Action to End Smoking.
‌
It comes as part of a mission by the country's minister for children, health and family, Catherine Vautrin. In an interview published by Ouest-France daily, she said: "Tobacco must disappear where there are children".
Anyone caught breaking the ban will be fined €135 (which works out to £113 or $153). Ms Vautrin said the police would enforce the ban, but added that the public would be given the chance to "self-regulate."
French authorities plan to actively enforce the new rules, with signage and public awareness campaigns to support compliance. This is an extension of the smoking rules already in place across France, which has banned smoking in restaurants and nightclubs since 2008.
‌
France's minister for children, health and family Catherine Vautrin
(Image: Thierry NECTOUX/GAMMA RAPHO via Getty )
People in Britain might struggle to remember the rule, as the UK's own smoking rules currently only apply indoors. Since July 2007, it has been illegal to smoke in enclosed public places and workplaces in the UK.
It was reported in 2024 by the BBC that the UK Government is considering similar action by extending legislation in England to outdoor areas like playgrounds and hospital grounds to "protect children and the most vulnerable from the harms of second-hand smoke".
‌
People can still smoke in the outdoor areas of cafes and bar terraces. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vapes) are not included in this ban, though France is working on tightening vaping regulations soon.
The ban will take effect from July 1, 2025
(Image: Dazeley via Getty )
Hotels usually set aside a few rooms for smokers. If you don't specify, you will be placed in a non-smoking room, the French Rivera Traveller claimed.
Article continues below
The BBC claimed that, according to the French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, almost a quarter (23.1%) of the French population smokes on a daily basis. France's National Committee Against Smoking adds that more than 75,000 smokers die each year of tobacco-related illnesses - 13% of all deaths.
A recent report by the French cancer association La Ligue Contre le Cancer shows that almost 80% of French people are in favour of a ban on smoking in public places like woodlands, beaches, parks, and terraces.