France bans smoking on beaches, in parks, and near schools to shield children from secondhand smoke — but café terraces are exempt.

PARIS, June 2 — Starting Sunday, France will enforce a nationwide smoking ban on beaches, in parks, public gardens, and at bus stops, the government announced.

According to a decree published in the official government gazette on Saturday, the ban will also apply outside libraries, swimming pools, and schools, aiming to protect children from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Electronic cigarettes were not mentioned in the decree. Those who violate the ban will face a fine of €135 (RM668)

“Tobacco must be removed from places where children are present,” said Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin in May, highlighting children’s right to breathe clean air.

Café terraces, however, are exempt from the ban.

Tobacco use is linked to an estimated 75,000 deaths annually in France. A recent survey showed that 62 percent of French citizens support smoking bans in public spaces. — AFP