Stay Informed

Sign up for news & alerts

Already signed up?
Login here
What Can I Do?


Get Help
Need alcohol or drug help for yourself or someone else? GET HELP
Continuing Education
Free online courses for addiction counselors LEARN ONLINE
Resources
Resources
Find useful publications, online documents & more.


DrugScreening.org


 

French Smoking Ban Goes into Effect
January 31, 2007

Share Share Email
Email
Print
Print
SubscribeSubscribe
News Summary

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.
 

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

SUBMIT A COMMENT:

Note: Comments are now held for moderator approval. More info

Name:

Comment:
(limit 250
words)

Enter this word
(help):
Change

GUIDELINES: 
Please keep comments on-topic, courteous, clean, non-commercial, and within the word limit.
Read the complete guidelines