Smoking is nearly synonymous with French cafe society, but a new law going into effect this week will be the first step in a plan to eliminate smoking from most indoor public spaces in France.

The Washington Post reported Jan. 29 that the smoking ban, which has sparked much debate in France, is in line with moves already taken by other European countries like Belgium, England, and Spain.

Germany, on the other hand, has resisted a ban on indoor smoking, and France also postponed a smoking ban last year. But the law is now moving forward; 91 percent of French citizens say they favor a ban on smoking in the workplace, and 78 favor a ban on smoking in restaurants.

As of Feb. 1, smoking will be banned in offices, schools, malls and most other public places in France. However, a ban on smoking in restaurants, bars and cafes won't go into effect until Jan. 1, 2008.

Some worry that the delay on the second phase of the law means it won't ever happen, based on past experience: France passed a law in 1991 requiring restaurants to create separate smoking and nonsmoking areas, but the law was never enforced.