Smoking proscribed on French beaches and parks
France is set to introduce a new smoking regulation, effective from July 1, 2025, with the ban taking effect from June 29, 2025. The new rules aim to protect children from passive smoking and denormalize tobacco use among young people [1][2][3][4].
The comprehensive ban will prohibit smoking in most outdoor public spaces where children are likely to be present or gather. These spaces include public parks and gardens, beaches that border bathing waters, bus shelters and covered passenger waiting areas, areas around schools, colleges, high schools, and other institutions for minors, open spaces and surroundings of libraries, swimming pools, stadiums, and sports facilities [1][2][3][4].
However, smoking on terraces of bars and restaurants remains legal, a decision that has disappointed some anti-tobacco activists [1][3]. Electronic cigarettes are not included in this ban [1][3][4].
Violators of the new smoking restrictions face fines starting at 135 euros, potentially rising to 700 euros, although an initial grace period is expected as the rules are communicated to the public [1][3]. The Health Ministry will announce the minimum distance for smoking in designated areas and reveal the sign used to designate areas where smoking is banned [1].
The ban is being imposed one week before the start of the French school holidays, a move that emphasizes the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of children [3]. The Health and Family Minister, Catherine Vautrin, stated that tobacco must disappear from places where children are present, framing this move as a significant step toward a "tobacco-free generation" targeted by 2032 [3].
Yves Martinet, president of the National Committee Against Smoking, criticized the continued permission to smoke on cafe terraces [3]. Despite this, many French continue to smoke on the terraces of bars and restaurants [3]. The Health Ministry will continue to educate the public and enforce the new regulations to ensure a healthier environment for all.
[1] Le Figaro, "France to Ban Smoking in Most Outdoor Public Spaces," June 2025. [2] Le Monde, "France's New Smoking Regulations: A Comprehensive Ban on Outdoor Smoking," June 2025. [3] France24, "France Introduces Comprehensive Outdoor Smoking Ban to Protect Children," June 2025. [4] AFP, "France's New Smoking Regulations: What You Need to Know," June 2025.
- The new smoking regulations in France extend to policy-and-legislation changes, ensuring a tobacco-free generation is targeted by 2032, as Health and Family Minister, Catherine Vautrin, commented.
- The ban on smoking in outdoor public spaces does not include fitness-and-exercise areas such as swimming pools and sports facilities, allowing exercisers to continue their activities unhindered.
- While general-news outlets report that the continued permission to smoke on cafe terraces has disappointed some anti-tobacco activists, the Health Ministry continues to work on educating the public about the importance of health-and-wellness and enforcing the new regulations for a healthier environment.
