France Bans Smoking at Beaches, Parks

France just made it more difficult for smokers to indulge in public: A new law that takes effect in July bans smoking in all public places where children might be present—including beaches, parks, bus stops, sports venues, and outside schools, reports the BBC.

• "Tobacco must disappear where there are children," said health and family minister Catherine Vautrin. "The freedom to smoke must end where the freedom of children to breathe fresh air begins."

• However, smoking will still be permitted at outdoor cafes and bars, per France24.
• Violators face a fine that is roughly the equivalent of $150.
• Vaping with e-cigs will still be allowed in such places, but Vautrin said the government is pushing to reduce the amount of nicotine found in them.
• An estimated 23% of the French population smokes, the lowest percentage on record. However, it's still higher than much of Europe, with Britain's rate at about 12%, notes the Times of London. France's goal is to have virtually no smokers by 2032.

(More France stories.)