The French government will ban smoking in public places such as beaches, parks and areas around schools where children may be present

As of July 1, smoking will be banned in public places in France, such as beaches, parks and areas around schools, where children may be present. Health minister Catherine Vautrin emphasized that children's right to clean air takes precedence over the freedom to smoke. Failure to respect the ban will result in fines of €135. Exceptions include café terraces and e-cigarettes. Smoking causes 75,000 deaths a year in France and 62% of French people support tighter restrictions.