New Rule in France to Curb Public Smoking Takes Effect

UPDATE Jun 29, 2025 6:30 AM CDT

A new rule that significantly reduces places where smokers can light up in France took effect on Sunday, reports the Guardian. The measure makes it illegal to smoke at beaches or public parks—or pretty much anywhere where children might be present. However, one French tradition is safe: It's still OK to smoke at outdoor cafes and bars.

May 30, 2025 1:10 PM CDT

France just made it more difficult for smokers to indulge in public: A new law that takes effect in July bans smoking in all public places where children might be present—including beaches, parks, bus stops, sports venues, and outside schools, reports the BBC.

• "Tobacco must disappear where there are children," said health and family minister Catherine Vautrin. "The freedom to smoke must end where the freedom of children to breathe fresh air begins."

• However, smoking will still be permitted at outdoor cafes and bars, per France24.
• Violators face a fine that is roughly the equivalent of $150.
• Vaping with e-cigs will still be allowed in such places, but Vautrin said the government is pushing to reduce the amount of nicotine found in them.
• An estimated 23% of the French population smokes, the lowest percentage on record. However, it's still higher than much of Europe, with Britain's rate at about 12%, notes the Times of London. France's goal is to have virtually no smokers by 2032.