TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - France will enforce a smoking ban in all outdoor areas accessible by children, including beaches, parks, and bus stops. The ban was announced by the Minister of Health and Family on Thursday, May 29, 2025, as reported by France 24.
France is famed as a haven for smokers to enjoy cigarettes while sitting on cafe terraces or strolling on cobblestone streets. In recent years, France has been tightening restrictions on tobacco use in public places.
The new ban will take effect on July 1, 2025. "The ban covers all places where children could be present, including beaches, parks, public gardens, outside of schools, bus stops, and sports venues," said Minister Catherine Vautrin.
"Tobacco must disappear where there are children," Vautrin said in an interview published by the regional daily Ouest-France.
She said the freedom to smoke stops when children's right to breathe clean air begins. The ban will also be extended to schools to stop students from smoking in front of the school. Violators will face fines of up to 135 euros or the equivalent of US$154.
However, the ban will not extend to iconic French cafe terraces. E-cigarettes, which have become popular in France in recent years, are also not banned.
France has already banned smoking in public places such as workplaces, airports, train stations, and playgrounds.
Anti-smoking groups have been advocating for a broader ban. It is estimated that 35 percent of the French population are smokers, a figure higher than the European average of 25 percent and the global average of 21 percent, according to the World Health Organization.
Approximately 75,000 people are estimated to die from tobacco-related complications every year in France. According to a recent opinion survey, six out of 10 French people support a ban on smoking in public places.
Editor’s Choice: Cigarettes Seized from Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims at Saudi Customs
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
World No Tobacco Day 2025: WHO Hails Indonesia's Bold Reforms
4 menit lalu
Ahead of World No Tobacco Day on 31 May, the WHO commends the Indonesian Government for enacting Government Regulation No. 28 of 2024.
What Prabowo Shared with Macron About Borobudur Temple
2 jam lalu
The Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat shared the moment of President Prabowo and Macron's visit to Borobudur Temple
Today's Top 3 News: Prabowo Receives Highest Honor from French Government
18 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Indonesia, France Ink US$11 Billion in Deals Covering Energy, Infrastructure, and More
18 jam lalu
Indonesia and France signed 27 MoUs worth US$11 billion, covering cooperation in energy, transportation, food, health, education, and infrastructure.
Prabowo Receives Highest Honor from French Government
1 hari lalu
The moment of awarding the honor to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto took place during Macron's welcoming ceremony at Magelang Military Academy.
Emmanuel Macron Says Indonesian Proverb in Front of Prabowo
1 hari lalu
French President Emmanuel Macron conveyed the Indonesian proverb "little by little, it will become a hill" in front of President Prabowo Subianto.
Points of Prabowo's Statement on Israel
1 hari lalu
Important points conveyed by President Prabowo when stating Indonesia's readiness to recognize Israel as a sovereign state after Israel recognizes Palestine first.
Macron Reveals Many French Artists Fascinated by Indonesian Culture and Beauty
1 hari lalu
In front of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, French President Macron praised the hospitality and welcoming of Indonesian people during his visit
Indonesia and France Forge Agricultural Cooperation Agreement
1 hari lalu
The cooperation in agriculture between Indonesia and France also includes developing farming methods that can withstand climate change.
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesia, France Strengthen Defense Cooperation During President Macron's Visit
1 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
