France will prohibit smoking in areas frequented by children, including beaches, parks, bus stops, sports arenas, and school surroundings.
Health Minister Catherine Vautrin emphasized the importance of protecting children from tobacco exposure, stating, “The freedom to smoke ends where children’s right to breathe freely begins.”
The ban is part of a broader effort to reduce smoking rates and promote public health. Violators could face fines, though the measure does not extend to café terraces or electronic cigarettes.