France’s Proposed Smoking Ban at Public Spaces Draws Criticism from German Tobacco Industry
The German tobacco industry has sharply criticized France’s plan to ban smoking at public spaces, including parks, bus stops and outside schools, starting in July. According to Jan Mücke, the head of the German Association of Tobacco and New Products, the French government is pursuing a paradigm shift, prioritizing the restriction of smokers rather than the protection of non-smokers.
Mücke claims that the French government has not conducted any research to determine whether there is a genuine health risk to non-smokers at these public areas. “Outside of enclosed spaces, tobacco smoke is quickly dispersed in the surrounding air and is practically undetectable at a distance of two meters” he said, adding that the risk to those nearby can be ruled out.
In contrast, France’s Health Minister, Catherine Vautrin, has stated that the aim of the law is to protect children. “At places where children are present, tobacco must disappear” she said, adding that the freedom to smoke “ends where the right of children to clean air begins.” The ban, set to take effect in July, will apply to public areas where children are likely to be present, such as beaches, parks, the surroundings of schools, bus stops, or sports facilities. Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to €135.