On Tuesday, the French government declared a sweeping prohibition on smoking at all of the country’s beaches, public parks, and forests, along with the areas surrounding schools.
Health Minister Aurelien Rousseau underscored this change, asserting that “Non-smoking zones will henceforth be the norm” while unveiling the government’s anti-smoking initiative.
Rousseau underscored that although there were already 7,200 tobacco-free zones in France, these had predominantly been designated by local authorities rather than the central government.
“We are delegating the responsibility and establishing a principle that will become the norm,” declared Rousseau.
Rousseau also mentioned an increase in cigarette taxes, revealing that a pack of 20, currently priced at around 11 euros ($12), will rise to 12 euros by 2025 and 13 euros the subsequent year.
Additionally, the government is set to prohibit “puffs,” referring to single-use disposable e-cigarettes that have gained popularity, especially among young individuals.
With the objective of achieving “the first tobacco-free generation by 2032,” as promised by President Emmanuel Macron, Rousseau outlined the government’s ambitious goals.