"Many restrictions": Smokers annoyed by the ban on smoking in public places

Restrictions for smokers are mounting. Catherine Vautrin, Minister of Labor, Health, Solidarity and Families, announced this Thursday that smoking will be banned in several public places where children are allowed, starting July 1st .

And the list goes on: beaches, parks, bus shelters, libraries, sports facilities, and the areas around schools... These are all places where the minister no longer wants to see "walls of parents smoking." This will also help avoid cigarette butts , according to the minister.

"Where there are children, tobacco must disappear," the minister continued to Ouest France . The government hopes that children born in 2025 will be the first "tobacco-free" generation.

"It's really an excellent measure," says Amélie Eschenbrenner, spokesperson for the National Committee Against Smoking . "It's really a measure that helps denormalize smoking (...) from the moment young people see fewer and fewer people smoking around them, it will be less likely to encourage them to start," she continues.

The perimeter of these areas has yet to be defined by decree. But the fine for those who don't comply with the ban will be hefty in any case: 135 euros. Catherine Vautrin is counting on law enforcement to enforce it. She's also counting on smokers "following the rules."

And the measure is already dividing the population: "I'm happy about it because I have a little boy and I wouldn't tolerate anyone smoking near my little boy, so yes. I'm in favor," replies a mother in a park. "It's good that things are moving forward in an orderly way and that it's formalized for once," she adds.

Across the street, a young passerby is less convinced: "We can also be careful, and it's a lot of restrictions in the end. I don't want to pay 135 euros because I smoke...", he laments.

It all depends on the places where it's prohibited, adds another: "People are not respectful of the places. Especially the beach. Being on the beach sunbathing and having lots of cigarette butts next to you is not pleasant," he adds.

For now, terraces are not affected by the restrictions. But the announcement is still a big step for one smoker sitting outside: "When you like to indulge, that also includes smoking. Sorry, but that's how it is. I'd like to be able to do it in a fairly relaxed manner and in airy spaces," she replies.

It should be noted that the ban does not apply to e-cigarettes, but the minister is also working on reducing the nicotine content of liquids and the number of flavors allowed by the end of 2026.