France Implements Smoking Ban on Beaches and Public Spaces

In an effort to safeguard public health, France has enacted a comprehensive ban on smoking in various outdoor public areas, including beaches, parks, and bus shelters. This new regulation, which took effect on June 29, 2025, is primarily aimed at protecting children from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

The decision to enforce this ban comes in light of alarming statistics indicating that passive smoking contributes to the deaths of approximately 3,000 to 5,000 individuals annually in France. The new rules stipulate that smoking is prohibited not only on beaches and in parks but also within a 10-meter radius of libraries, swimming pools, and schools, all of which are frequented by children.

While the smoking ban extends to many public spaces, it does not apply to the terraces of bars and restaurants, a distinction that sets it apart from upcoming regulations in neighboring Spain. Additionally, the new rules do not address the use of e-cigarettes.

Violators of the smoking ban may face fines ranging from EUR135 to EUR700. However, the government has indicated that there will be an initial grace period during which enforcement will be more lenient. Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin emphasized the imperative of reducing tobacco exposure in areas frequented by children, stating that parks and beaches should be environments conducive to play and learning, free from the hazards of smoking.

This initiative is part of France's broader strategy to achieve a tobacco-free generation by 2032, aligning with the government's ongoing efforts to reduce smoking rates. Despite a decline in smoking prevalence, more than 30% of adults in France still smoke, making it one of the higher smoking nations in Europe. Particularly concerning is the statistic that approximately 15% of 17-year-olds are current smokers.

According to the French addiction agency, the OFDT, the current smoking rates represent the lowest levels recorded since the year 2000. Still, the health implications remain severe, with an estimated 75,000 deaths annually attributed to tobacco-related illnesses.

The cost of cigarettes has risen significantly, with a pack now priced at a minimum of EUR12 ($14) due to increased taxation. Smoking has been banned in indoor public spaces, such as bars and restaurants, for over a decade, and a recent survey revealed that 62% of the French population supports extending smoking bans in public areas.

As France moves forward with these regulations, the government aims to foster a healthier environment for future generations while continuing to address the challenges posed by tobacco addiction.