France to Ban Smoking in Parks, Beaches, and School Starting from July

The French Minister of Health and Family, Catherine Fautrier, announced that public places such as beaches, parks, and gardens, in addition to areas near schools, bus stations, and sports facilities, will become smoke-free starting July 1st.

In statements reported by Politico Europe, the minister said: "Wherever children are present, tobacco should be absent."

She added that "freedom to smoke ends where the right of children to breathe clean air begins". The fine for smoking in these areas will reach 135 euros.

Smoking will still be permitted on café terraces, and electronic cigarettes will be exempt from the new ban.

Some municipalities had previously implemented local laws prohibiting smoking in public places, but the new regulations will be enforced nationwide starting July. A decision has not yet been made regarding the ban on selling cigarettes to individuals under the age of 18, but Fautrier stated that "nothing is excluded for the future".

When asked about the possibility of increasing tobacco taxes, Fautrier confirmed that no new tax increases are planned at the moment.

The minister also pointed out that nicotine levels and the number of flavors available in electronic cigarettes are expected to be reduced by the end of the first half of 2026, adding that scientific and technical opinions are needed to determine the details.

This move is part of France's national anti-tobacco program for the 2023-2027 period, which is also aligned with the European Commission's cancer prevention plan. The plan aims to achieve a "tobacco-free generation" by 2040, meaning that less than 5% of the population will use tobacco.