France to ban smoking on beaches, parks and near schools

Smoking will be banned in all outdoor places that can be frequented by children from July, France's health minister said.

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The ban will come into force on 1 July and will include beaches, parks, public gardens, outside schools, bus stops and sports venues.

"Tobacco must disappear where there are children," Vautrin said in an interview published by Ouest-France daily.

Vautrin added that "the freedom to smoke must end where the freedom of children to breathe fresh air begins".

The outdoor areas of cafes and bar - known as terrasses - will be exempt from the ban, she said.