New smoking rules in France: penalties for violators from 2024
8:02 PM EST, November 29, 2023
France is joining the ranks of countries implementing stricter regulations on smoking in public places. French President, Emmanuel Macron, envisions a "first generation free from tobacco" by 2032.
Travelers looking forward to a vacation in France next year need to be aware of these new regulations, which will be effective from the start of 2024.
Tightening of anti-smoking rules in France
As part of a national anti-smoking campaign, the French Government announced a smoking ban on all beaches, as well as in parks, forests, and other public areas.
The French Health Minister, Aurelien Rousseau, presented this proposal in a statement to French journalists.
"Steps have already been taken on beaches, in parks, and in surrounding school areas. From 2024, this will become a universally applicable law. We want to show our resolve," said Rousseau, as cited by AP news.
These rules, which will be launched at the beginning of next year, aim to curtail smoking in public places. While no additional details were disclosed, it's evident that penalties will be imposed on rule violators.
Aurelien Rousseau added that France is now shifting towards making non-smoking zones the norm. Currently, more than 7,000 tobacco-free regions exist in the country, determined by local authorities.
Balearic beaches and Barcelona in Spain implement smoking bans
To recall, last spring with the onset of the new tourist season, the Balearic Islands authorities announced a smoking ban on additional beaches across the renowned archipelago. A total of 28 such areas now exist on Majorca, Ibiza, and Minorca.
The Balearic Islands have expanded their "smoke-free zones". This program seeks to enhance the health of locals and tourists, while also clearing out unsightly cigarette butts that often litter the coast.
"Our goal is to establish a network of healthy beaches. We aim to make the coast of the Balearic Islands a therapeutic outdoor area, positively impacting the health of visitors. We want to endorse smoke-free areas," explained the spokesperson for the "Smoke-free Beaches" campaign.
A similar ban was enacted last year in Barcelona. Smokers caught violating these rules on any of the city's ten beaches face fines of approximately $15.
