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When you imagine a French person, you might picture a baguette, a glass of wine... and a cigar? That image is about to change starting in July, when a new anti-smoking law goes into effect in France.
In an effort to reduce tobacco use in public spaces and protect youth, this measure prohibits smoking on beaches, public gardens, around schools, and other areas frequented by minors.
Decrease in tobacco consumption in France
According to NPR, smoking is declining in France. Currently, only 231% of adults smoke daily, the lowest rate since the 1990s. Among 17-year-olds, the figure has fallen from 251% to 161% in recent years.
France is seeking to further reduce the appeal of tobacco to younger generations by limiting its use near children's play areas, sports fields, and school entrances.
The new anti-smoking legislation plans to establish nearly 7,000 smoke-free zones in 1,600 cities and towns, including beaches, parks, and ski resorts. Violators could receive fines of up to €135 (USD $153).
Impact on health and the environment
Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable death in France, with approximately 75,000 deaths each year related to smoking-related diseases.
Furthermore, the environmental damage is significant: it is estimated that between 20,000 and 25,000 metric tons of cigarette butts are discarded each year. In Paris alone, some 2 billion cigarette filters end up on the streets.
The new legislation represents a significant cultural shift in a country where smoking has historically been glamorized in films, advertising, and everyday life.
The Ministry of Health and Family Affairs hopes that France will advance toward its goal of a tobacco-free generation by 2032. By reducing the visibility of cigarettes in daily life, France will also redefine its cultural relationship with tobacco.
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