France’s Bold Move: Smoking to be Banned on Beaches and Parks

France is set to implement a ban on smoking in beaches and public parks as part of a comprehensive strategy to curb tobacco-related deaths, aiming for a “tobacco-free generation by 2032.”

Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau announced the measures, which include fines for violations, with potential enforcement as early as next year. Additionally, a phased increase in cigarette prices was revealed, reaching 12 euros ($13) by 2025 and 13 euros ($14) by 2027. The government’s objective is to eliminate the casual perception of smoking and address the alarming rate of 200 preventable tobacco-related deaths daily.