Smoking Now Illegal in Many Public Places in France

Lesson made on July 2, 2025

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Reading Lesson:

Starting Sunday, smoking will be banned on beaches and in public parks across France. The government made this new rule to help protect children from second-hand smoke, which is also called passive smoking. The ban will also apply near places like schools, libraries, swimming pools, and bus stops. People are not allowed to smoke within 10 meters of these places. If someone breaks the rule, they could be fined up to 700 euros.

The health minister said places like parks and beaches should be where kids can play, learn, and breathe fresh air. France is working toward a goal of having a “tobacco-free generation” by the year 2032. Some health experts say this is a good step, but they also think more should be done. For example, smoking is still allowed at outdoor café terraces, where many people, including families with kids, often sit. Experts are also concerned that the law doesn’t include e-cigarettes. Some believe e-cigarette flavors are designed to get young people interested in smoking.

Not everyone agrees with the new rules. Some business groups say that banning smoking on terraces would just move the problem to the sidewalks or areas near the cafés. Others argue that smokers and non-smokers should be able to share outdoor spaces.

Smoking in France is going down overall. In 2023, fewer than one in four adults said they smoked every day. Still, smoking causes about 75,000 deaths per year in the country and costs French society billions of euros. A recent survey showed that most people in France support banning smoking in public places.

Comprehension Quiz:

1. What is the main idea of the article?

a) Smoking should be completely banned in Europe.
b) France is banning smoking everywhere, including homes.
c) France is banning smoking in many public places.
d) Smoking is becoming more popular in France.

2. What does the word “ban” mean?

a) To allow
b) To prohibit
c) To improve
d) To vote

3. What is one reason some people are not completely happy with the new law?

a) It only affects people over 60.
b) It bans smoking at cafés.
c) It makes cigarettes more expensive.
d) It doesn’t include e-cigarettes

4. Why did France make this new rule?

a) To encourage people to stop using e-cigarettes.
b) To protect children and others from second-hand smoke.
c) To help cafés earn more money.
d) To make smoking more popular in cities.

5. What is one possible result of banning smoking at terraces?

a) Smokers will move to the sidewalks.
b) Smoking will stop completely.
c) Smokers will start using e-cigarettes.
d) More people will start eating at cafés.

6. Which of these statements is false?

a) France wants to stop young people from smoking.
b) Smoking causes many deaths in France.
c) Many French people agree with the new rules.
d) Smoking is now banned in all places, including cafés.

7. What is a reason why e-cigarettes worry some experts?

a) They are very expensive for adults.
b) There are not enough good flavors.
c) The flavors might make kids want to try smoking.
d) They are not allowed in cafés.

8. Why are fines included in the smoking ban?

a) To stop people from breaking the rule
b) To make smoking more fun
c) To give children free money
d) To help people buy cigarettes

9. Why might the new rule not fully protect children?

a) Children can now smoke in parks
b) The rule doesn’t include places like terraces or e-cigarettes
c) Kids are not allowed in public spaces
d) Schools are not part of the ban

10. What will happen if smoking continues to go down?

a) Parks will close
b) More people will get sick
c) There may be fewer smoking-related deaths
d) Smoking will be allowed again

Speaking and Writing Activities:

– Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.

– Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.

1. Do you think rules like this can really protect children from secondhand smoke?

2. What rules does your city have for smoking? Do you think they should be changed?

3. Why do you think some people still smoke even though they know it’s dangerous?

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