Smokers & Smoking in France

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Smokers & Smoking in France

On 1 February 2007 additional smoking restrictions came into effect in France. The primary objective of these bans is to limit non-smokers' exposure to passive smoking in public or communal places.

It is forbidden to smoke in the following places:

• Offices/the workplace: In any office building, in both private offices and communal areas (reception and board rooms, canteens, washrooms, gym and sports areas)
• Public transport: On any public transport (trains, trams, ferries, buses, ski lifts)
• Schools: Anywhere on the property - indoors and outdoor grounds - of schools, and colleges
• Leisure venues: At the sport and recreation facilities used by children under 18 years. Indoors and outdoors sport arenas, fields, gymnasia and halls used by schools, colleges or children's associations
• Administrative buildings: The public access areas and individual offices, passageways and waiting rooms of all administrative buildings. Where a specific smoking area is not provided, smokers (staff and visitors) may only smoke outside
• Medical facilities: In hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities (except in private hospital rooms where conditions apply)

In January 2008 the ban will extend to coffee bars and cafés, hotels, restaurants, discotheques and tobacconists.

Smoking Areas

Organisations and employers may provide separate smokers' areas although certain criteria must be adhered to.

An acceptable smoking area has the following:

• Must be properly ventilated
• Must have automatic doors
• May not be part of a passageway or foyer
• Must not be larger than 32m2

Further Information

• Information line
  Tel: 0825 309 310 (Monday to Saturday 08:00-20:00)
• Comprehensive details (in French) on website tabac.gouv.fr
• Information from the French Government website Service Public (in French)