France bans smoking in parks, beaches and bus stops

FRANCE 24 English

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00:00This man savors his final cigarette on the beach,

00:04one last defiant puff before the new smoking ban silences the habit for good.

00:10I find cigarette smoke very annoying, especially when you have little babies.

00:15It's good that you can't have cigarettes on the beach.

00:18The measure also applies to public gardens and parks,

00:21with the government's aim being to protect children from passive smoking.

00:25I think for children, it's a first step towards them not smoking.

00:31I don't smoke, and every time I go somewhere where people smoke, it makes me uncomfortable.

00:36The rule also includes bus shelters, swimming pools, libraries and schools.

00:42For those who fail to comply, the government is considering a fourth-class fine of 135 euros.

00:49Some smokers say they find this many restrictions oppressive.

00:52I shouldn't be deprived of my freedoms either,

00:56because at the end of the day, if you're only allowed to smoke at your own home, that's ridiculous.

01:01It happens all the time.

01:02They bring out new restrictions.

01:04We're being infantilised somehow.

01:06The law on smoking has gotten stricter over the years.

01:10In 2005, smoking was banned on planes and trains.

01:13In 2007, it was banned in public places and at work.

01:17And in 2008, in restaurants, cafes and nightclubs.

01:21From today, smoking will still be allowed on cafe and restaurant terraces,

01:25and e-cigarettes are not affected by the new decree.

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