Jerry Jackson France will roll out a national smoking ban in many outdoor public spaces starting July 1, 2025. The new rule, announced by Health Minister Catherine Vautrin, will apply to locations such as public parks, beaches, sports grounds, bus stops, and areas near schools. The main goal is to protect children from secondhand smoke and promote a healthier environment. “Tobacco has no place where children are,” said Vautrin, stressing that the law is meant to keep public spaces clean and smoke-free for everyone.
The ban builds on similar rules already in place in some towns and cities. Now, the policy will apply everywhere in France. Anyone caught smoking in these restricted areas may receive a fine of €135. Local police will be responsible for checking compliance and issuing fines when needed. While the law targets smokers in public spaces, smoking will still be allowed in private homes and specific smoking areas that are clearly marked and separate from public walkways.
This move is part of a wider plan to make the country smoke-free and reduce tobacco use in the long term. Minister Vautrin shared her vision of raising a generation free from the grip of tobacco. She said that she hopes children born in 2025 will grow up in a culture where smoking is not common and where people are better protected from health risks linked to tobacco use. “This is not just a rule,” she explained. “It’s a message. A message of care, of protection, and of change for the better.”
The ban does not currently include electronic cigarettes, but the government has signaled interest in tighter regulation for e-cigarette flavors and nicotine levels in the future. Health experts have raised concerns about vaping among teens and young adults, even as traditional smoking has gone down. The government will monitor the situation and could include e-cigarettes in future updates to the law.
France’s smoking ban is one piece of a much larger anti-smoking campaign that will run from 2023 to 2027. The campaign includes education, pricing policies, and public health awareness efforts. According to recent figures, only 15.6% of 17-year-olds in France reported smoking in 2023. That is about half the number compared to ten years earlier. Officials say this shows that progress is possible, but there is still work to do.
Tobacco remains one of the leading causes of death in France. About 75,000 people die each year due to smoking-related diseases. These include heart disease, lung cancer, and other serious health problems. Minister Vautrin pointed out that this law is about saving lives. “Preventing avoidable deaths is not a limitation on freedom,” she said. “It’s a commitment to public health and the next generation’s well-being.”
France joins a growing list of countries taking strong steps to reduce smoking in public places. Experts believe these kinds of rules help people quit smoking, reduce litter from cigarette butts, and limit children’s exposure to harmful habits. The French government has said it will continue working with local communities, schools, and health groups to raise awareness about the new law and support people who want to quit smoking.
Citizens and visitors should look for signs in public areas that indicate smoking is not allowed. These signs will help people understand where they can and cannot smoke. Health authorities also plan to run public information campaigns to ensure everyone is aware of the new rules before they take effect in July.
The Health Ministry encourages people to seek help if they are trying to quit smoking. There are free resources available, including hotlines, support groups, and online tools. By making it harder to smoke in public and easier to get help quitting, the French government hopes to create a future with fewer smoking-related deaths and more people living longer, healthier lives.