France's planned smoking ban on beaches, in parks, public garden, and bus shelters – originally slated to take effect on July 1 – was brought forward by a decree published in the official government gazette on Saturday, June 28. The measure will now take effect on Sunday, June 29. Smoking will also be prohibited near libraries, swimming pools, and schools, in line with the government's goal of protecting children from passive smoking.
The decree did not mention electronic cigarettes. Violators of the ban will face a fine of 135 euros ($158). "Tobacco must disappear from places where there are children," Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin had said in May, underscoring "the right of children to breathe pure air." Cafe terraces are excluded from the ban.
Some 75,000 people are estimated to die from tobacco-related complications each year in France. According to a recent opinion survey, six out of 10 French people (62%) favor a smoking ban in public places.