France to ban outdoor smoking from July 1

France to ban outdoor smoking from July 1

Starting July 1, 2025, France will prohibit smoking in outdoor public spaces where children are likely to be present. The new rule will apply to beaches, public parks, bus stops, school entrances, and sports facilities.

Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin announced the measure on Thursday, May 29, stating: “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.

The regulation aims to deter smoking near schools, which means students will no longer be allowed to smoke outside school gates. Violators could face fines of up to €135 ($154).

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The ban, however, will not extend to outdoor café terraces or the use of electronic cigarettes.

France already enforces smoking bans in indoor public spaces such as workplaces, airports, train stations, and playgrounds. Anti-smoking advocates have long pushed for expanded restrictions.

According to the World Health Organization, 35% of France’s population smokes, significantly higher than the European average of 25% and the global average of 21%.

 

France to ban outdoor smoking from July 1