France will soon implement an extensive smoking ban as part of a major effort to reduce one of the highest smoking rates in the developed world. The French Health Minister, Catherine Vautrin, announced that the new regulations will prohibit smoking in all public parks, beaches, sports venues, and near schools. This order will become effective on July 1, 2025, after publication on June 28, 2025. France is doing a great deal to tackle the health impacts of tobacco. This important step would save more than 200 daily lives lost to smoking.
France introduced laws from 2007 and 2008 that prohibited smoking in cafés, bars and restaurants and across all public buildings. Despite this progress, the country is still grappling with one of the highest smoking prevalence among its population. As far as smoking is concerned, over one-third of French adults smoke cigarettes, most of them daily smokers. This stark statistic puts France in pole position among countries with the most smokers in Europe and world-wide.
A Focus on Youth and Public Health
The recent ban has gone further by applying the ban to places children and young people tend to hang out. It seeks to protect the public’s health by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke. Philippe Bergerot, a public health advocate, emphasized the intent behind the ban:
“We aren’t banning smoking; we are banning smoking in certain places where it could potentially affect people’s health and … young people.”
The French government is taking steps to limit smoking in public places. This measure not only nudges smokers to consider quitting or reducing their consumption, it helps prevent non-smokers—including many in prioritized vulnerable groups—from starting.
The Cost of Smoking in France
Along with the added restrictions, the cost of smoking is remarkably clear. For example, in France a carton of cigarettes costs at least 12 euros, equivalent to approximately $14. Such an exorbitant cost is due to excessive taxation on tobacco products. For decades the government has tried to discourage smoking through taxes and dire public health warning commercials. In practice, even after such efforts, tens of thousands of French adults still find it difficult to quit their smoking routine.
Yet the toll of tobacco use in France is equally disturbing. About 75,000 deaths each year are due to tobacco-related diseases. This shocking number highlights the need for us to do much more to safeguard Americans’ health and encourage active, healthier lives.
Public Reactions to the Ban
Reactions to the upcoming ban have been polarized. Public health advocates praise the proposal as an important first step toward a policy that would significantly protect public health. Some people who oppose them cite personal freedom arguments. Natacha Uzan noted her feelings about the restrictions:
“Now outside, in parks, I find it becoming a bit repressive.”
Philippe Bergerot acknowledged the tension surrounding the new law, stating that there remains a mindset among some citizens that equates public health measures with restrictions on personal freedom.
“In France, we still have this mindset of saying, ‘this is a law that restricts freedom.’”
Like France, several states are preparing for landmark legislation. As the government has said, they are absolutely committed to addressing the health crisis caused by tobacco use and protecting future generations from its dangers.
