PARIS: Anyone who lights up on a beach or in a public park in France will be breaking the law from Sunday under new rules aimed at protecting children from the dangers of passive smoking.
Bus shelters and areas in the immediate vicinity of libraries, swimming pools and schools will also be affected by the ban, which is coming into force one day after its publication in the official government gazette on Saturday.
The rule is being imposed one week before the beginning of the school holidays in France in a clear bid to immediately protect children from smoke on the beach.
However, to the disappointment of some anti-tobacco activists, the ban does not cover the terraces of bars and restaurants where many French still happily light up.
They are also unhappy that the ban does not apply to electronic cigarettes.
The rules had initially been expected to come into force on Tuesday after a previous announcement by the health ministry but the publication in the official gazette means this has now been brought forward to Sunday.
People should also not smoke within a 10 metres radius of schools, swimming pools, libraries and other places that hurt minors.
The health ministry said it would announce the minimum distance for smoking in these areas in the coming days as well as reveal the sign used to designate such areas.
Violators of the ban could face a fine of 135 euros ($160) up to a maximum of 700 euros. However the health ministry is expecting an initial grace period as the new rules are explained.
“Tobacco must disappear from places where there are children. A park, a beach, a school — these are places to play, learn, and breathe. Not for smoking,” Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin said.
This is another step “towards a tobacco-free generation”, she added, which France is targeting from 2032.
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