Non-Smoking

Paris Guide©

Judy and Mel Croner

Non-Smoking

France Is Now Entirely Non-Smoking

As of January 2, 2008, smoking is no longer allowed in restaurants, bars or any other place where food is served in France.

If a smoker is caught (in the act!), he or she faces a fine of 68 € (~$100). The owner of the establishment, faces a 135 € (~$200) fine for allowing a smoker to light up in the bar or restaurant. One cannot plead ignorance saying that he was not aware of the anti-smoking law. For example, saying that you are unaware of the smoking ban because there was not a « non-smoking » sign posted, will not work. The smoker still will get fined, and the bar owner will face a double fine. One for allowing the smoker to light up, and another for not displaying the « no-smoking » signs clearly.

Starting January 1, 2008 at midnight, smoking is banned in all « enclosed public spaces » throughout France. The owner of the establishment has the responsibility of enforcing the non-smoking law. Some clever bar owners have tried to invent ingenious ways to get around the law. In the South of France, one bar owner tried to issue memberships to all her clients, but smoking is banned in private clubs as well. The law states that any establishment, private or otherwise, that is open to a public, must be a smoke free zone.

So, non-smokers rejoice. France has become smokeless. No longer will smokers poison you while you eat.

Home