Overview
- Ecologist deputy Nicolas Thierry announced he is filing the proposal, which has backing from about 20 deputies across seven groups and support from the Ligue contre le cancer and the Alliance contre le tabac.
- Sales would be prohibited from 1 January 2032 to anyone born after 1 January 2014, even once they are adults, and the measure covers all tobacco products including heated tobacco.
- Official estimates cite tobacco as France’s leading preventable killer with roughly 75,000 deaths each year and a social cost of about €156 billion.
- The legislative timetable remains uncertain as the sponsor seeks government endorsement and a slot on the National Assembly agenda for transpartisan bills.
- Supporters say the gradual approach avoids a sudden demand shock and curbs illicit markets, with forthcoming debate expected over effects on tobacconists and arrangements for current smokers.