The new law will impose a €135 fine for violators, although outdoor cafés and bar terraces are exempt. Vautrin noted that while electronic cigarettes are not included in the ban, she is exploring limitations on nicotine levels in these products. The initiative follows the declining smoking rates in France, with only 23.1% of the population smoking daily— the lowest recorded percentage to date.
Despite smoking bans already established in restaurants and nightclubs since 2008, growing public support for restrictions on outdoor smoking has motivated this new legislation. Recent studies indicate nearly 80% of French citizens are in favor of prohibiting smoking in public spaces. While the full implementation of outdoor smoking bans was proposed for 2024, the existing voluntary bans by over 1,500 municipalities and widespread no-smoking policies at beaches pave the way for this significant public health measure.
Despite smoking bans already established in restaurants and nightclubs since 2008, growing public support for restrictions on outdoor smoking has motivated this new legislation. Recent studies indicate nearly 80% of French citizens are in favor of prohibiting smoking in public spaces. While the full implementation of outdoor smoking bans was proposed for 2024, the existing voluntary bans by over 1,500 municipalities and widespread no-smoking policies at beaches pave the way for this significant public health measure.
