Starting July 1, France will roll out new nationwide rules that ban smoking in many public outdoor areas. The measure will apply to parks, beaches, bus and tram stops, sports grounds, and areas near schools. The goal is to reduce children’s exposure to secondhand smoke. French Health Minister Catherine Vautrin explained the reason behind the move: “Tobacco has no place where children are present.”
Until now, some cities and regions had local bans in place. With this new law, the rules will be the same across the country. Municipal police will be responsible for enforcement. Anyone who breaks the rules could face a fine of €135. The regulation marks a key part of France’s broader plan to protect the next generation from the dangers of tobacco.
The policy is part of the French government’s larger anti-smoking strategy. The goal is to raise a smoke-free generation. Children born in 2025 are expected to grow up in public spaces where cigarette smoke is no longer a part of daily life. Smoking will still be allowed in private homes and special smoking areas. However, the number of these spaces is expected to shrink over time.
E-cigarettes are not included in this ban. Still, the French government is working on further rules to limit their use. These could include restrictions on nicotine levels and flavored products, which are popular among younger users. The minister has said that new steps may come soon to make vaping less attractive to teens.
This new rule is part of the French National Anti-Tobacco Strategy 2023–2027. The plan aims to lower smoking rates across all age groups. It also hopes to create a tobacco-free generation by 2032. Youth smoking has already gone down in recent years. In 2023, only 15.6% of 17-year-olds reported smoking. That is half the number seen ten years ago.
Health experts say the danger of smoking is still very real. Around 75,000 people die from smoking-related causes in France each year. Most of these deaths are linked to cancers, heart disease, and lung illnesses. The government wants to bring that number down. “Protecting public health starts with guaranteeing children the right to breathe clean air,” said Vautrin.
The new law also has strong support from many parents and health workers. Many believe it is the right step to protect children’s lungs and set a good example. While the idea of banning smoking outdoors may face resistance from some smokers, surveys show growing public support for stricter tobacco rules, especially in places where children gather.
France joins a growing list of countries taking action to limit public smoking. In recent years, countries like New Zealand, Spain, and parts of the United States have passed similar measures. These policies aim to prevent new smokers from picking up the habit and to protect non-smokers from harm.
In the coming months, the French government plans to track the results of this new rule. If it proves successful, more steps could follow. These may include stronger restrictions on tobacco sales or limits on where tobacco products can be advertised. Public health experts say long-term efforts will be key to reaching the goal of a smoke-free generation.
For now, French officials are focused on making sure the public understands the new law. Signs will go up in banned areas, and police officers will receive guidance on how to apply the rules fairly. The Health Ministry also plans to launch a public information campaign to explain the health reasons behind the change.
With these new measures, France is taking a bold step to limit smoking in daily life. By creating cleaner, safer spaces for all—especially for children—the country is setting a strong example in the global effort to reduce tobacco use.