France Bans Smoking in Parks and Beaches to Protect Children, But Critics Say Law Doesn’t Go Far Enough

Starting Sunday, smoking will be officially banned on beaches and in public parks across France under a new regulation designed to shield children from passive smoke. The law, published in the government’s official gazette just a day prior, also prohibits smoking near bus shelters, and in the vicinity of schools, libraries, and swimming pools. The ban is strategically timed, coming just before the start of school holidays, in an effort to immediately protect children who are likely to frequent these areas during summer vacation.

Critics Say Law Falls Short, Excludes Terraces and Electronic Cigarettes from Smoking Ban

Despite praise for the initiative, many anti-smoking advocates have criticized the law for not going far enough. Notably, the ban does not extend to outdoor terraces of bars and restaurants—popular smoking areas in France—nor does it cover electronic cigarettes.

Critics argue that terraces are often occupied by children and families, and allowing smoking in these areas undermines the goal of protecting young people. Yves Martinet of the National Committee Against Smoking expressed concern that flavored e-cigarettes still pose a risk of enticing youth into nicotine addiction.

Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin emphasized the government’s long-term goal of achieving a “tobacco-free generation” by 2032. She underscored the importance of keeping smoking away from places where children play, learn, and grow. To reinforce compliance, violators of the new regulation could face fines ranging from €135 to €700. The ministry also plans to introduce official signage to clearly indicate smoke-free zones, enhancing public awareness and enforcement.

Industry Pushback Highlights Tensions Between Public Health Goals and Social Freedom Spaces

Not everyone is on board with the restrictions. Hospitality industry representatives argue that banning smoking on terraces would only displace the issue to surrounding areas. Frank Delvau of the Union of Hotel Trades and Industries suggested that terraces represent one of the few remaining social spaces where smokers and non-smokers coexist. Similarly, Franck Trouet from the Hotels and Restaurants of France maintained that further restrictions could disrupt the social balance and hospitality experience.

Despite industry pushback, public sentiment appears to support stricter anti-smoking measures. According to recent surveys, 62% of the French population favors bans on smoking in public places. Smoking prevalence in France is steadily declining, with fewer than 25% of adults reporting daily smoking habits in 2023.

However, smoking remains a major public health issue, causing 75,000 deaths annually and costing society an estimated €156 billion when considering healthcare, productivity loss, and other related expenses. The new regulation marks a significant step in France’s ongoing efforts to reduce these numbers and protect future generations.