France to ban smoking at beaches, parks and outside schools

France is introducing a ban on outdoor smoking, effective July 1, which prohibits nicotine use in public spaces frequented by children, including beaches, parks, and school entrances.

The move aims to protect youths from secondhand smoke, with violators facing fines of up to 153 U.S. dollars.

The French Health Minister stated, "Where there are children, tobacco must disappear," underscoring the government's commitment to creating a smoke-free generation.

The legislation builds on the 2008 indoor smoking ban and follows pilot bans already adopted by over 1,500 municipalities and numerous beaches.