France to Ban Smoking in Outdoor Areas Frequented by Children Starting July 1

France will soon prohibit smoking in all outdoor areas commonly visited by children, including beaches, public parks, bus stops, and other shared spaces. The new regulation, set to take effect from July 1, was announced by Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin in an interview with the regional daily Ouest-France.

“Tobacco must disappear where there are children,” Vautrin stated, emphasizing that the right to smoke ends where a child’s right to clean air begins. The government aims to make smoke-free environments the norm around children to promote public health and protect young people from secondhand smoke exposure.

The smoking ban will apply to locations such as:

• Beaches
  
  
• Parks and public gardens

Areas around schools

Bus and tram stops

Sports venues

Those found violating the new rule could face a fine of up to 35 euros (approximately $154). However, Vautrin clarified that the ban will not extend to café terraces, allowing people to continue smoking in those areas. The restriction also excludes the use of electronic cigarettes, which means e-cigarettes can still be used in public outdoor spaces.

Tobacco use remains a major public health concern in France, contributing to nearly 75,000 deaths each year. Public support for stricter smoking regulations appears strong. A recent opinion poll cited by AFP showed that 62 percent of French citizens support a ban on smoking in public spaces.

Data from the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Behaviours shows that daily smoking is on the decline, particularly among youth. Since 2011, daily smoking rates among 17-year-olds have dropped by 15.9 percentage points. Meanwhile, vaping continues to gain traction, with 56.9 percent of 17-year-olds having experimented with e-cigarettes.

The new smoking ban reflects France’s ongoing commitment to reducing tobacco-related harm and fostering a healthier environment, especially for children and young people.