France to ban smoking in public places where children are present

French Health Minister Catherine Vautrin announced Thursday that smoking will be banned in public areas where children are present, effective from July 1.

Speaking to Quest France, Vautrin highlighted the dangers of tobacco, saying, “Every year, one in ten deaths is linked to tobacco. Smoking kills 75,000 people in France — more than 200 deaths per day. It is the leading cause of preventable mortality.”

The new rules will ban smoking in places such as beaches, parks, public gardens, outside schools, bus stops, and sports venues to better protect children and the public from harm.

When asked about the possibility of a total smoking ban in the future, Vautrin said she would not rule it out.

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