France to Implement Nationwide Smoking Ban in Outdoor Spaces Frequented by Children

New regulations prohibit smoking in public parks, beaches, and near schools starting July 1, 2025

Starting July 1, 2025, France will enforce a nationwide ban on smoking in outdoor public spaces commonly frequented by children, including beaches, parks, bus shelters, sports venues, and areas surrounding schools.

Health and Families Minister Catherine Vautrin announced the measure, emphasizing the government's commitment to protecting children's health.

Violators of the new regulation will face fines of €135.

The ban excludes outdoor café terraces and does not apply to electronic cigarettes.

This initiative aligns with France's broader National Anti-Tobacco Programme 2023–2027, which aims to create a tobacco-free generation by 2032.

The program also includes plans to increase the price of a pack of cigarettes to €12 in 2025 and €13 by 2027, as well as a proposed ban on single-use disposable e-cigarettes.

Currently, approximately 23% of French adults smoke daily, a historic low according to the French Observatory for Drugs and Addictive Trends.

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in France, accounting for around 75,000 deaths annually.

The new regulations build upon existing local bans, with over 1,500 municipalities having already implemented similar restrictions in certain public areas.