I've read some articles about the new smoking laws in France, that they were going to ban smoking in parks and all public outdoor spaces at the start of this year. But I've not seen any recent articles about it, the only articles I can find are from last year, and none of them have been very specific.
So, are they in effect now? What does that mean exactly? Is there ANYWHERE left that you can smoke? On the pavement? In plazas? Outdoor seating on cafes? And how strict are they enforcing it? Can you get a fine if you are caught smoking?
Going back there next month, so was just wondering.
Posted by
Normandie
302 posts
If you can read French, here's the relevant code. The link provides a machine translation into English if needed, but the French language version takes precedence.
Here's the list of places noted where smoking is not allowed:
Public or private educational establishment (schools, colleges, universities)
Apprentice training centers
Establishments intended, or regularly used, for the reception, training, accommodation or sports activities of minors
Health care facilities
Enclosed public place (restaurant, café, shopping center, discotheque, etc.)*
Collective workplace without public access*
Collective workplace with public access*
Individual office
Children's playground (park, public garden...)
Note that the ones with an asterisk may allow smoking if a designated, managed area for smokers is maintained that meets specific technical requirements intended to protect minors and nonsmokers.
In addition, it's illegal to smoke in a vehicle if children are present.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
But that's the old laws. The page you linked to doesn't seem to have been updated since 2023.
This article from late last year seem to imply the new laws would go into effect beginning this year?
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/france-to-ban-smoking-on-beaches-as-it-seeks-to-avoid-75000-tobacco-related-deaths-per-year
Has it been delayed, or did they reverse the decision at some point?
Posted by
Normandie
302 posts
You call them "old laws," I would call them "current codes." The website to which I referred you to is the Prime Minister's website for documenting current codes in France. It's right there in the subtitle: "Le site officiel de l'administration français."
I don't know what you've read.
I don't know where you read it.
But if you would like to know what's currently on the books in France, Service-Public is where to go.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
You do know what I've read and where I've read it, as I provided a link to one of the news reports. All the other reports I could find, including French news sites, said the same thing, that the laws would be changed at the beginning of this year.
But it seems this has not happened yet then? It's just seems strange that there would be so much fuzz about it last year, and then complete silence in 2024. You do not know anything more about this, whether the laws have been rejected or just delayed, and if so, when they will be implemented?
Thanks anyway, from the information you have give me it seems there is nothing to worry about for now at least.