In a big development for France, the country has banned smoking on beaches, parks, public gardens, bus shelters, and other places from tomorrow (Sunday, June 29), the government said. According to the order, no smoking will be permitted outside the libraries, swimming pools, and schools. The step by the government is aimed at protecting children from passive smoking. The violators of it may face a fine of 135 euros (Rs 13,517).
“Tobacco must disappear from places where there are children,” Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin had said in May, emphasising “the right of children to breathe pure air,” reported the AFP. Further, BBC reported that the outdoor areas of cafes and bars—known as terrasses—will be exempt from the ban.
Earlier, the ban was supposed to come into effect on July 1. According to Times Now, quoting a recent survey, 62 percent of French people favour a smoking ban in public places. A total of approximately 75,000 people die every year in France due to tobacco-related complications.
In a statement, Health Minister Catherine Vautrin said that more than 200 people die in the country each day due to tobacco-related illness. The official decree introducing the ban in the country was published on Saturday, and according to the statement by the health minister, the government order specifying the perimeters set by the ban would be published in the coming days.
The electronic cigarettes are exempted from the new ban by the French government.
