Overview

• Since July 1, decree n°2025-582 prohibits smoking on beaches, in parks, at bus shelters, around schools, near libraries and at sports facilities within a 10-metre radius.
• Municipal authorities have started installing pictograms and issuing fines ranging from €135 to €750 to deter violators.
• A survey by Ligue contre le cancer found that 62% of French respondents support expanding outdoor smoking restrictions.
• Health experts commend the denormalization effect but warn that exemptions for cafés, terraces and electronic cigarettes could create enforcement loopholes.
• Advocates caution that uneven resources across communes may lead to inconsistent compliance and urge measures like higher tobacco prices and product decommercialization.