France announces ban on smoking outdoors in most places (but not café terraces)

France is taking a tougher approach against tobacco use with new laws aimed at protecting children and public health, effective July 1st, which prohibit smoking near kids’ areas like beaches, parks, schools, and gardens. However, iconic coffee terraces and e-cigarettes are exempt, with offenders facing up to €135 in fines. This move follows France’s existing bans on smoking in public spaces such as workplaces and airports, signaling a significant escalation. Anti-smoking groups remain cautiously optimistic about achieving a tobacco-free generation by 2032 but worry about potential delays caused by higher taxes.