French smokers told to butt out
Workers will be forced to smoke outside
Also In The News
|
Bolton have announced the signing of David Thompson from Portsmouth until the end of the season. |  |
Thursday, 01, Feb 2007 09:57
French public buildings will become cigarette-free for the first time today as a new smoking ban comes into force.
The ban will cover all closed public places such as schools, hospitals and workplaces. It also extends to commercial enterprises such as cafes, clubs and restaurant but these will have an additional 12 months to implement the ban.
Widespread support among the French public for the ban remains uncertain. Its announcement caused much controversy, with smoking seen by many as an integral part of the French lifestyle.
Enforcement is being left with the country's health department, rather than police, with fines of around £40 to be handed out to smokers who refuse to comply. Workplaces will also face fines if they fail to force their workers to step outside.
"We have the means to hand out penalties.. if indeed there are holdouts, but I am resolutely optimistic," health minister Xavier Bertrand told RTL radio.
The health department is also planning to see an upsurge in the number of people quitting smoking because of the new ban. It has introduced a rebate for smoking aids in conjunction with the new ban.
France will join EU countries Spain, Italy, Sweden and Ireland in introducing a partial ban on smoking. England and Wales will see a ban introduced in July this year.