Summer vacation in France: New smoking ban from July 2025!

Summer vacation in France: New smoking ban from July 2025!

With the start of the summer holidays, many German families are faced with the decision to spend their vacation abroad. It is important to find out about the respective laws and regulations in the country you are traveling to. A new law has now been announced in France that also affects tourists. From July 1, 2025, there will be a ban on smoking in many public places, which represents a fundamental change for smokers.

The new smoking ban affects places such as parks, bus stops, schools, beaches and sports facilities. However, smoking will still be permitted in outdoor areas of restaurants. Anyone who violates the smoking ban faces a fine of up to 135 euros. This measure is part of a wider government campaign to combat tobacco consumption in France, where around 75,000 people die from smoking every year. In comparison, there are an estimated 143,000 deaths annually as a result of tobacco consumption in Germany and over 7.6 million people worldwide die as a result of smoking. Derwesten.de reports these alarming figures.

Protecting children in focus

The smoking ban is particularly aimed at protecting children. Health Minister Catherine Vautrin presented the new law in the Ouest France newspaper and expressed the wish that children born in 2025 represent the first smoke-free generation. The exact area around schools where smoking will be banned is still being determined. The municipal police are responsible for monitoring compliance with the ban.

It's important to note that e-cigarettes are exempt from the new ban, although Vautrin plans to limit the nicotine content and flavors of e-cigarettes. The introduction of these measures could result in a significant reduction in young people smoking. In 2023, nearly 16 percent of 17-year-olds reported smoking; Ten years ago there were twice as many. Also Tagesschau.de highlights that the measures are in line with WHO recommendations, which calls for reducing the risk of cancer.

Economic burden of tobacco consumption

The economic consequences of smoking are also significant. Cancer costs France around 150 billion euros every year. The new law is seen not only as a protective measure for future generations, but also as a step towards reducing this economic burden. According to Vautrin, the smoking ban does not restrict smokers' freedom as long as they smoke in permitted areas.

The entry into force of these regulations in mid-2025 will usher in a new era in tobacco management in France, one that will hopefully have a positive impact on the health of the population.