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What a drag. France will soon outlaw smoking across most public spaces “where there are children,” a top health official declared Thursday. The infamous cigarette-loving French won’t be
allowed to light a cigarette at parks, beaches and bus stops, as well as outside schools, gardens and sporting events starting July 1, Minister of Labor, Health Solidarity and Families
Catherine Vautrin said in an interview with Ouest-France. Violating the ban would cost 135 euros, or $154, she told the news outlet, according to AFP. “Tobacco must disappear where there are
children,” she reportedly said, adding “the freedom to smoke must end where the freedom of children to breathe fresh air begins.” EXPLORE MORE Café patios won’t be included in the ban, and
e-cigarettes will not be affected by the impending law. Police will be in charge of enforcing the law, though Vautrin said she was a believer in “self-regulation,” the BBC noted, citing the
same Ouest-France interview. About 23% of the French population smokes every day, the BBC reported, citing an organization in the country that analyzes data on tobacco, drugs and alcohol.
Smoking in restaurants and other indoor establishments in France was prohibited in 2008. More than 1,500 municipalities have already banned smoking in public spots, with hundreds of beaches
also already non-smoking, the BBC reported.