Tobacco must disappear where there are children. The freedom to smoke stops where children’s right to breathe clean air starts,” she told Ouest-France newspaper

By Afolabi Ayodele

France will enforce a ban on smoking in public areas where children are likely to be present, starting July 1, 2025.

The restriction will cover beaches, parks, bus stops, school entrances, and sports venues.

Health and Family Minister, Catherine Vautrin, announced the move on Thursday, May 29.

“Tobacco must disappear where there are children. The freedom to smoke stops where children’s right to breathe clean air starts,” she told Ouest-France newspaper.

The ban aims to stop students from smoking near schools. Violators may be fined up to €135 ($154).

However, the new rule does not affect France’s popular outdoor café terraces or the use of electronic cigarettes.

Smoking is already prohibited in several public places in France, including workplaces, airports, train stations, and playgrounds.

Anti-smoking groups have long pushed for broader restrictions.

According to the World Health Organisation, around 35 per cent of France’s population smokes—higher than the European average of 25 per cent and the global average of 21 per cent.

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