France Raises Fines in Outdoor Smoking Ban

France will implement a comprehensive ban on smoking in most outdoor public spaces frequented by children, such as beaches, parks, bus stops, sports venues, and areas near schools, effective July 1. The ban, announced by Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin, aims to protect children's right to clean air and will carry fines of up to €135 for violators. Café terraces and electronic cigarettes are exempt, though further regulations on vapes are under consideration. Enforcement will depend on police presence and public self-regulation. Recent polls indicate that over 60% of French citizens support stricter public smoking rules. The initiative is part of a wider push to reduce tobacco use in France, where about 23% of adults smoke daily and tobacco-related illnesses cause around 75,000 deaths each year.