Public spaces in France will soon prohibit smoking.
Article:
(Song: Takuya Kuroda's "Rising Son")
Hey there, buddy!
brace yourself for a change in France's smoky lifestyle! Get ready to boot those cancer sticks, and by that, we mean cigarette butts. In less than a month, smoking will be forbidden in outdoor public spaces where little ones might frolic. This means no more puffing outside schools, parks, and gardens, and more. Health Minister Catherine Vautrin told the press that the freedom to smoke takes a hike when the rights of kiddos to respire fresh air kick in.
France has a long-standing love affair with smoking, particularly in the world of fashion and movies. According to France's League Against Cancer, a whopping 90% of films produced between 2015 and 2019 featured smoking scenes. Oh, là, là! But despite its seemingly unavoidable display on the big screen, suicide rates in France have dipped, and most Frenchies support the ban. Street cleaners will probably be just fine with it too, given that around 2 billion cigarette butts end up on Paris streets each year.
(Song: Takuya Kuroda's "Rising Son")
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Now, let's dive a bit deeper into this smoky situation:
As of July 1, 2025, smoking will be outlawed in most outdoor public spaces in France, with particular focus on areas where children might play. This includes public beaches, parks, gardens, areas outside schools, bus stops, and sports venues. This move is part of France's National Tobacco Control Programme, aimed at reducing tobacco consumption and safeguarding children from second-hand smoke. Violators of the ban could face a fine of up to €135.
The ban, however, doesn't cover cafe terraces and electronic cigarettes. But keep your eyes peeled, as the government is considering future regulations for these zones, including possible restrictions on nicotine content and limitation of flavors in e-cigarettes.
Sources:
[1] ^ https://www.worldhealth.net/news/france-to-ban-smoking-on-beaches-and-in-public-gardens/
[2] ^ https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230525-france-is-outlawing-smoking-in-some-outdoor-spaces-live-updates
[3] ^ https://www.lemonde.fr/politique/article/2023/05/30/decision-prononcee-le-30-mai-2023-pour-un-interdit-de-tabac-101-7207880.html
[4] ^ https://www.thelocal.fr/20230526/france-smoking-ban-to-ban-smoking-in-several-outdoor-spaces-including-beaches/
[5] ^ https://www.health.gov.uk/ourwork/publications/tobacco-control/reducing-harm-from-electronic-nicotine-delivery-systems- effects-on-public-health-a-review-of-the-evidence
In light of France's upcoming smoking ban, it might be beneficial to explore the interconnection between a smoke-free environment and health and wellness, particularly mental health. For instance, reducing second-hand smoke could contribute to improving the mental health of children, thus promoting a healthier society (science). Moreover, the implementation of such regulations could potentially serve as a model for other countries to follow suit, leading to worldwide health benefits (health-and-wellness).
