Starting July 1, France will enforce a ban on smoking in outdoor public areas accessible to children, including beaches, parks, public gardens, bus stops, sports venues, and school grounds.
Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin announced the measure, highlighting the importance of protecting children from tobacco exposure.
“Smoking must disappear where there are children,” Vautrin said, stressing that the right to smoke ends where children’s right to breathe clean air begins. Violators of the ban could face fines up to €135 ($154).
This move extends France’s ongoing efforts to restrict tobacco use, although the ban will not apply to café terraces or electronic cigarettes, which remain popular.
The popular Nigerian artist Burna Boy, known for his socially conscious stance, took note of France’s decision, reflecting on the global push to safeguard public health, especially for the younger generation.
