Loïc Josseran, president of the Alliance Against Tobacco , was present on RMC’s microphone this Saturday, May 31, to discuss the government’s recent decisions concerning the ban on smoking in certain public places. With the new regulations taking effect on July 1, 2025 , it will now be illegal to smoke on beaches, in parks and gardens, as well as near schools, bus shelters, and sports facilities . This announcement was made by Catherine Vautrin , the Minister of Labour, Health, Solidarity, and Families .
“Wherever there are children, tobacco must disappear,” she declared to our counterparts at Ouest-France. This proactive stance reflects a broader trend in public health policy aimed at protecting children’s health and creating cleaner environments.
🚫 La cigarette interdite dans les parcs, sur les plages et près des écoles: pourquoi pas les terrasses ?
🧐 “Le gouvernement n’a pas voulu engager de bras de fer avec les buralistes”, regrette Loïc Josseran, président de l’association Alliance contre le tabac #AnaisMatin pic.twitter.com/nyI2x6NlDG— RMC (@RMCInfo) May 31, 2025
However, despite the ban being imposed on many smoking areas, Loïc Josseran’s response indicates that the government announcement did not fully satisfy him. On air, he expressed his dissatisfaction regarding the fact that patios and terraces are not included in the new regulations, a change that has been requested “for a number of years now.” He emphasized that there remains a significant influence from the tobacco industry , often operating through the intermediaries of café and restaurant owners .
Fighting Against Tobacco: Statistics and Public Health
In this context, Josseran reminded the audience that smokers today constitute approximately “23-25% of the French population.” Additionally, he highlighted the dangers of passive smoking encountered by professionals working in restaurants and bars. “At some point, we need to acknowledge a principle of reality . Many of these restaurateurs and bar owners are also tobacco sellers. Thus, there may be an economic logic at play that goes beyond just their role as café owners,” he explained.
It is crucial to note that the non-compliance with this new smoking ban could lead to a fourth-class fine , amounting to 135 euros . Catherine Vautrin has firmly stated that the freedom to smoke should end where the right of children to breathe fresh air begins. This encapsulates the essence of the new regulations: to prioritize public health, especially for vulnerable populations like children.
Josseran’s comments reveal a broader discourse on public health that is struggling to navigate the balancing act between individual rights and community health. The hesitance to include extensions, such as patios and restaurant terraces, in the smoking ban illustrates the larger societal challenge of addressing tobacco consumption while considering the economic implications for business owners.
This new legislation, while a step forward for public health, underscores the need for comprehensive measures that tackle the tobacco industry’s influence and consider the diverse realities of all stakeholders involved. The use of public spaces in France must evolve to better support the health and wellbeing of its citizens , especially the younger generation.
Ultimately, as France prepares to implement this ban, the hope is that it will not only reduce smoking rates among adults but also instill a sense of responsibility in future generations. By creating smoke-free environments in parks, beaches, and near schools, the government aims to foster healthier habits and support the ongoing fight against tobacco use and its associated health risks.
The conversation surrounding smoking bans and public health will persist, as stakeholders from various sectors continue to engage in dialogue around the best paths forward. With continued advocacy and policy adjustments, the aim remains clear: to achieve a healthier society, free from the harms of tobacco.