France has announced a new smoking ban in all open public spaces where children are present, including beaches, parks, schools, public playgrounds, bus stations, and sports areas, Rks News reports.
The measure, announced by Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin, will come into effect on July 1.
“Smoking must disappear where children are present,” Vautrin told Ouest-France, emphasizing that the freedom to smoke must not infringe upon children’s right to breathe clean air.
Violators of the ban will face a €135 fine, with enforcement carried out by the police. While e-cigarettes are currently excluded from the ban, Vautrin warned that new restrictions on their nicotine content are under review.
