Minister Catherine Vautrin Announces New Restrictions on Tobacco Use in France

The French government has unveiled plans to prohibit the use of tobacco products in outdoor areas frequented by children.

The new regulations, set to come into effect on July 1, 2025, will apply to a range of locations, including beaches, parks, and areas surrounding schools and sports facilities.

According to Minister Vautrin, the move is designed to safeguard the rights of children to breathe clean air, free from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke.

“The presence of tobacco is unacceptable in areas where children are present,” she emphasized in an interview with Ouest-France newspaper.

“The right to smoke must give way to the right of children to enjoy a healthy environment.”

The new rules will also prohibit students from smoking near school entrances, with offenders facing fines of up to €135. However, the ban will not extend to outdoor seating areas of cafes or to electronic cigarettes.

France has already implemented a range of measures to restrict tobacco use in public places, including workplaces, airports, and train stations. The latest move is seen as a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to reduce the prevalence of smoking, which currently affects around 35% of the population – a figure significantly higher than the European and global averages.