Latest news with #YvesMartinet
BBC News
30-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
France bans smoking in parks and on beaches
Smoking has been banned in parks, on beaches and outside schools in France to try to protect ban has come into place just a week before schools in the country break for the summer also stops people from smoking in public gardens, in bus stops and in sports Vautrin, who is the Health and Family Minister in France, said, "tobacco must disappear from places where there are children". The ban doesn't apply to electronic cigarettes like vapes were banned in the UK in June - something which was also brought in to protect children's health. Yves Martinet is the president of the National Committee Against Smoking. He said the ban is a "step in the right direction" but doesn't go far felt that e-cigarettes should have been included, saying that their flavours are used to "hook young people". The new rules do not apply to the terraces outside of restaurants and they do stop people smoking within 10 metres of schools, swimming pools and Vautrin said the move was part of the country's aim of a "tobacco-free generation" by the year said the areas covered by the ban are "places to play, learn, and breathe," not places for smoking.
The Sun
29-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
France bans smoking on beaches and parks to protect children
PARIS: France has officially banned smoking on beaches, public parks, and near schools starting Sunday in a move to safeguard children from passive smoking. The new law, published in the government gazette on Saturday, also covers bus shelters and areas close to libraries and swimming pools. The health ministry aims to create smoke-free zones where children play and learn. Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin stated, 'Tobacco must disappear from places where there are children. A park, a beach, a school—these are places to play, learn, and breathe. Not for smoking.' However, the ban excludes bar and restaurant terraces, disappointing anti-tobacco activists. Yves Martinet of the National Committee Against Smoking (CNCT) called the measure 'insufficient,' noting children also frequent outdoor dining areas. E-cigarettes, which critics argue target youth with flavoured options, remain unrestricted. Violators face fines ranging from €135 to €700, though authorities expect an initial grace period for public awareness. The ministry will soon clarify the minimum distance for smoking near schools and other child-centric locations. Despite criticism, officials highlight progress toward a 'tobacco-free generation' by 2032. Smoking rates in France have dropped to their lowest since 2000, with fewer than 25% of adults smoking daily in 2023. Passive smoking causes 3,000–5,000 annual deaths, while active smoking claims 75,000 lives yearly. Hospitality groups oppose extending the ban to terraces, arguing it would displace smokers without solving the issue. Franck Trouet of Hotels and Restaurants of France (GHR) called terraces 'the last places of conviviality and freedom.' A recent survey shows 62% of French citizens support public smoking bans.
