France to Ban Smoking in Child-Friendly Public Spaces from July 1

France will implement a nationwide smoking ban in certain outdoor public spaces from July 1, 2025, targeting areas frequented by children. These include beaches, parks, playgrounds, school entrances, sports venues, and bus stops.

The country’s Health and Family Minister, Catherine Vautrin, announced the new regulation on Thursday, stating the government’s strong commitment to protecting minors from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

“Tobacco must disappear where there are children. The freedom to smoke stops where children’s right to breathe clean air starts,” Vautrin told Ouest-France newspaper.

Violators of the new law could face a fine of up to €135 ($154). However, the ban does not extend to outdoor café terraces or the use of electronic cigarettes.

The move builds on France’s existing anti-smoking laws, which already prohibit smoking in indoor public places, train stations, airports, workplaces, and children’s playgrounds.

Public health advocates and anti-smoking groups have long pushed for tougher smoking regulations in outdoor settings. According to the World Health Organisation, around 35% of France’s population are smokers—a figure significantly higher than the European average of 25% and the global average of 21%.