Starting July 1, France will prohibit smoking in all outdoor public spaces where children are likely to be present. This landmark regulation, announced by Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin, aims to safeguard young people from secondhand smoke and foster a smoke-free generation.

Areas Covered by the Ban

Smoking will be banned, during operating hours, in the following outdoor locations:

• Beaches

• Public parks and gardens

• Surroundings of schools and libraries

• Bus and tram stops

• Sports stadiums and facilities

  
  

Enforcement and Penalties

Violators caught smoking in restricted areas face a fine of up to €135, which is approximately $154 USD. Municipal police will oversee enforcement, supported by new signage and public awareness campaigns.

Key Exceptions

Despite the broad scope of the ban, two notable exemptions apply:

• Café terraces remain smoke-permitted zones

• Electronic cigarettes (vapes) are not included under the new rule

  
  

Public Health Context and Reception

Nearly one in four French adults smoke daily, underscoring the public health imperative behind the ban. According to a recent survey, 62 percent of French citizens support prohibiting smoking in outdoor spaces frequented by children1. Minister Vautrin emphasized, “Our freedom to smoke ends where a child’s right to clean air begins.”

Broader Tobacco Control Trends

France’s outdoor ban builds on previous indoor smoking prohibitions enacted in 2007 and 2008. It also aligns with wider European efforts to tighten tobacco regulations, as countries like Spain and the UK expand restrictions on both cigarettes and vaping products.