French parliament to consider smoking ban
A French MP will today submit to parliament a proposal to ban smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places.
If approved, the ban would significantly toughen France’s anti-smoking campaign, relegating smokers to footpaths outside all cafes, bistros, nightclubs and offices.
A current law forbids smoking in hospitals, train stations and airports and requires smoking sections in restaurants but is routinely flouted.
The proposal, drafted by centre-right MP Yves Bur, has the backing of dozens of other deputies. It needs approval by the National Assembly to become a bill.
A poll published last month showed about 80% of French people support a ban on smoking in public places.
Even a majority of smokers – 56% – said they supported a ban, according to the IFOP poll, which surveyed 1,003 people and did not provide a margin of error.
Five European countries – The Republic of Ireland, Italy, Malta, Norway and Sweden – have already banned smoking in restaurants and workplaces.
Belgium will ban smoking in the workplace in January and in bars and restaurants a year later.
