Join Together
Stay Informed

Sign up for news & alerts

Already signed up?
Login here

What Can I Do?



Continuing Education
Free online courses for addiction counselors LEARN ONLINE

Get Help
Need alcohol or drug help for yourself or someone else? GET HELP

 

Smoking Keeps Many French from Cafes
May 22, 2006

Share Share Email
email
Print
print
SubscribeSubscribe
News Summary

Smoking Gaulloises has long been synonymous with French cafe life, but now the nation's fabled cafes are being battered by the clash of this tradition with shifting attitudes on health.

The French Press Agency reported May 19 that many cafes have closed as patrons opt for less smoky and more sophisticated bars and clubs. A recent survey found that 41 percent of French people now say they visit cafes regularly, down from 81 percent in 1997.

The French still see cafes as a key part of their culture, but cite a lack of nonsmoking areas and high prices as the main reasons for staying away. Cafes' lack of good music and entertainment also are seen as negatives in the study by the group France Boissons.

Eighty percent of respondents also said that they were staying home more because of rising prices and to avoid exposure to tobacco smoke. 

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

SUBMIT A COMMENT:

Submissions are held for review and approval.
Please read the guidelines before posting.

Name:

Comment:
(limit 250
words)

Enter this word
(help):
Change

Guidelines for comments