Fines for Puffing in Designated Areas Might Rise Significantly
Smokers beware: Starting July 1st, you'll have to puff away from beaches, parks, gardens, and schools in France, as part of a new anti-smoking regulation. The move, aiming to shield youngsters from the harmful effects of cigarettes, could land you a hefty €135 fine if you don't comply.
Minister of Health, Catherine Vautrin, made the announcement on Thursday, May 29th, stating, "Where there are children, tobacco must disappear." This ban, which was initially promised at the end of 2023, will extend to beaches, parks, gardens, school surroundings, bus shelters, and sports facilities throughout France.
Vautrin emphasized, "The freedom to smoke stops where the right of children to breathe clean air begins."
But don't head to a local café terrace to light up, as that exception is still in play. The same goes for e-cigarettes, for now.
Interestingly, Europe isn't shying away from curbing smoking in outdoor public spaces. Ireland led the charge in 2004 by becoming the first country to ban smoking indoors in all public spaces, including bars and restaurants. Since then, around fifteen EU member countries have followed suit.
In 2024, France saw a significant drop in tobacco sales, with cigarette sales decreasing by 12.3% and rolling tobacco sales falling by 13.2% compared to the previous year. This downward trend has been ongoing for several years, with an average annual decrease in sales of around 7% between 2017 and 2024.
Other European nations are also stepping up their efforts to limit smoking in outdoor areas. Spain, for instance, has banned smoking on most beaches in cities like Barcelona and Valencia, as part of a 2023 legislative change allowing municipalities to impose smoking restrictions in public spaces. Offenders can face fines.
Italy, Portugal, and the UK are also part of this motion to create a cleaner, healthier public environment, though specific details on recent legislation aren't readily available.
So pack a pocket-sized air freshener and embrace the smoke-free outdoors!
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