French authorities are penalizing smokers and vapers who violate public bans, following a national decree that outlawed smoking in parks, beaches, and transport waiting areas. The anti-cancer organization Ligue contre le cancer is now partnering with municipalities in Loire-Atlantique to align vaping restrictions with existing tobacco bans.
The decree standardized smoke-free zones across France. The ban covers public gardens, beaches, bus shelters, and areas surrounding libraries, sports facilities, and schools. Both individuals who smoke in these areas and property owners who permit it face legal penalties.
Fines and Penalties for Public Violations
Under French law, smoking violations fall under 4th-class infractions. Vaping bans in these zones, however, rely on municipal decrees, which carry different penalties.
| Violation Type | Legal Basis | Standard Fine | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoking in public zones | National Decree | €135 | €750 |
| Vaping in public zones | Municipal Decree | Varies | €150 |
Expanding Vape-Free Municipalities
While national laws explicitly define where vaping is prohibited, local governments are taking independent action to expand these zones. In Loire-Atlantique, local councils are working to ensure vaping is banned wherever smoking is prohibited.
“An infraction to a municipal decree is punishable by a fine of the 2nd class, the amount of which is a maximum of €150,” stated the Ligue contre le cancer, highlighting the legal mechanism used to enforce vape-free public spaces.
