The French Ministry of Health announced the introduction of a ban on smoking in public places from July 1.

In France, a total ban on smoking in public places will be introduced from July 1. This was announced on Monday, June 30, by the press service of the Ministry of Health of the country.

"75,000 people die from tobacco use in France every year, or more than 200 deaths per day. The social costs of tobacco are estimated at €150 billion per year. <...> 90% of smokers start smoking before the age of 18. All these actions have a clear goal: to ensure that children born today will be the first to grow up in a tobacco—free generation," the message says.

From July 1, the smoking ban will apply to places "where there are children." The list includes public parks, gardens and beaches, bus stops and covered waiting areas for passengers, the area next to places intended for reception, education or residence of minors, the vicinity of libraries, swimming pools, stadiums and sports facilities.

Tobacco is not just an individual problem, it is a collective disaster, according to Minister of Labor and Health Catherine Vautrin.

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On January 1, it became known that in Milan, since the beginning of the year, smoking has been banned in all public places, including the streets of the city. It was clarified that this measure is aimed at improving the air quality of the city, protecting the health of citizens, including protection from secondhand smoke in public places.