France will ban smoke on beaches, parks, public gardens and bus stops from Sunday, the government said.
The ban originally scheduled to take effect on July 1 – was anticipated by a decree published in the Official Government Gazette on Saturday – and is already effective on Sunday, June 29.
Smoking will also be prohibited near libraries, swimming pools and schools, in line with the government’s goal of protecting children from passive smoke.
Continues after advertising
The decree does not mention electronic cigarettes.
Prohibition offenders will be subject to a fine of 135 euros.
“Tobacco should disappear from places where there are children,” said Catherine Vautrin’s health and family minister in May, highlighting “the right of children to breathe fresh air.”
Continues after advertising
Cafes terraces are excluded from the ban.
It is estimated that about 75,000 people die from tobacco-related complications each year in France.
According to a recent opinion poll, six out of 10 French (62%) are in favor of prohibiting smoking in public places.
