July 1, 2025 marks an important step in protecting public health and the daily lives of the French, with measures that impact outdoor life, the energy budget and working conditions.

Smoking Ban Extended to Many Outdoor Public Spaces

From July 1st, 2025, smoking will be prohibited in several new outdoor public areas, primarily to protect children and reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. This measure is part of the government’s ambitious goal to achieve a tobacco-free generation by 2032.

The affected locations include:

• Public parks and gardens
• Beaches adjacent to bathing waters (during the bathing season)
• Bus shelters and covered waiting areas for travelers
• Areas around schools, middle schools, high schools, and other institutions hosting minors
• Open spaces and surroundings of libraries, swimming pools, stadiums, and sports facilities

However, this ban does not apply to café and restaurant terraces, despite requests from anti-tobacco associations.

Penalties and Implementation

Failure to comply with this ban can result in a fine of 135 EUR (4th class fine), which can rise up to 750 EUR if taken to court. Initially, an educational phase will be implemented, with signs indicating “smoke-free areas.”

Increase in Natural Gas Prices

On July 1st, 2025, subscription fees for natural gas will increase. The annual fee will rise from approximately 277 to 290 EUR, affecting French households’ budgets. This increase reflects ongoing tensions in the energy sector, where energy costs continue to rise.

Updates on Sick Leave Procedures

A new paper form for sick leave will be introduced starting July 1st. This measure aims to simplify administrative procedures for employees and employers. Additionally, workers will benefit from enhanced protections against extreme heat, with specific recommendations to safeguard health during heatwaves.

Toward a Tobacco-Free Generation: A Major Public Health Challenge

Tobacco remains a leading cause of death in France, responsible for about 75,000 deaths annually, or more than 200 deaths per day. Secondhand smoke also causes between 3,000 and 5,000 deaths each year. The social cost of tobacco is estimated at 150 billion EUR annually. These new government measures, including the extension of smoke-free areas, are part of the national tobacco control program 2023-2027, aiming to drastically reduce tobacco consumption and exposure.