Smoking bans: a milestone towards a tobacco-free generation in France

Coming into force in July 2025, the ban on smoking in parks, beaches, around libraries, public transport shelters, and around schools represents a significant step forward in France's policy of denormalizing tobacco use. Anti-smoking associations such as the National Committee Against Smoking (CNCT) and the ACT-Alliance Against Tobacco welcome this measure but call for vigilance regarding its effectiveness and for the extension of the ban to other locations.

Structuring levers for prevention and denormalization

A decree has been issued to strengthen the regulatory framework for combating smoking in France. It now prohibits smoking in several outdoor public spaces: parks, public gardens, beaches, around libraries, around and inside sports venues, public transport shelters (bus shelters, tram or bus platforms), as well as within ten meters of the entrances to schools, middle schools, and high schools.

This measure is part of the long-term objective pursued by the health authorities: to reduce the exposure of the population - particularly young people - to tobacco consumption in public spaces, in line with the national strategy to combat smoking. By banning smoking in public spaces and within a clearly defined radius around schools and places frequented by young people, this decree aims to protect them from the harmful effects of smoking but also to weaken the social visibility of smoking and prevent its acceptability, particularly among children and adolescents.

Beyond its preventive and health-related scope, this ban also addresses environmental concerns by limiting the pollution generated by cigarette butts in natural or densely populated areas. It thus constitutes a structuring and cross-cutting lever, at the intersection of public health issues, the protection of young people, and the preservation of public spaces.

In addition, the decree also strengthens the framework for the protection of minors by reclassifying the offense of selling tobacco and vaping to a minor as a Class 5 contravention, punishable by a fine of up to €1,500, compared to €450 previously.

Exceptions that weaken the consistency of the measure

Despite the progress made possible by this decree, the exclusion of café and restaurant terraces constitutes a major point of weakness according to the CNCT and the ACT.[1]These spaces, often frequented by families, young people, and children, remain places of direct exposure to tobacco smoke. Keeping them outside the scope of the ban sends a contradictory message, even though the stated objective is to denormalize consumption in public spaces.

Similarly, vaping products are not covered by the decree, even though they are increasingly present and consumed by young people. Their visible use in public places contributes to a culture of nicotine addiction. The CNCT therefore calls on mayors to include vaping products within the scope of the ban, as permitted by their powers, at the municipal level.

Implementation procedures still to be structured

While the decree marks a significant step forward, according to the associations, its effectiveness will depend heavily on its practical implementation on the ground. Consistently implementing the new bans, whether on smoke-free areas or strengthened measures against sales to minors, requires coordinated action by public stakeholders at all levels.

Regarding smoke-free spaces, effectiveness depends on several conditions: clear and visible signage in the places concerned, a reminder of the implications of the measure to facilitate its adoption by residents, training for the competent enforcement officers, and clear instructions from mayors on this subject. Without these prerequisites, there is a significant risk that the measure will be applied unevenly, or even symbolically, from one municipality to another.

Regarding the sale of tobacco to minors, the reclassification of the offense as a Class 5 misdemeanor is a step in the right direction. However, the CNCT believes that this sanction will only be effective if it is coupled with dissuasive disciplinary sanctions, in particular the temporary or permanent suspension of the license in the event of convictions. The association also emphasizes the importance of strengthening controls, particularly in areas with a high density of young people, and of communicating about these controls, convictions, and the follow-up given to them.[2].

©Generation Without Tobacco

AE

[1] Smoking is now banned on the beach, in the park, in front of a high school... but not on terraces, La Croix, published June 28, 2025, consulted July 1, 2025

[2] Press release, The CNCT welcomes the new smoking bans and calls for ensuring their effectiveness, CNCT, published on July 1, 2025, consulted the same day