France wants to go smoke-free – introduces sweeping ban

11/29/2023, 11:17:47 AM

Highlights: France wants to go smoke-free by 2032. New smoking bans will be introduced in public places. The price of cigarettes will also be increased over a four-year period. There are also plans to introduce a ban on single-use e-cigs in the country. The ban is expected to be implemented by the end of the year, according to the French government's plan for the future of the country's smoking ban, which is set to go into effect in 2032, if approved.

France wants its citizens to stub out their cigarettes for good. In a new anti-smoking program presented by the government, the goal is to raise a "tobacco-free generation" by 2032. Among other things, extensive smoking bans are being introduced in public places at the same time as the price of cigarettes is being raised sharply.

France already has smoking bans in several public places, but these are decided locally and not by the government. The new proposal extends the ban to include smoking on all beaches, in public parks and forests. Smoking bans will also be introduced in the vicinity of schools.

"From now on, smoke-free areas will be the norm," Health Minister Aurelien Rousseau said, according to the Associated Press.

Cigarette prices soaring

The proposal is expected to enter into force by the end of the year.

The tax on cigarettes will also be increased over a four-year period, which is expected to lead to a sharp increase in prices. It is estimated that a pack of cigarettes will cost around twelve euros in France as early as next year.

There are also plans to introduce a ban on single-use e-cigarettes.

Hear what the French themselves think about the smoking ban in the clip above.