France to ban smoking on beaches and public parks
France will ban smoking on beaches and public parks, the country's health minister said, presenting a series of measures as the government looks to prevent 75,000 tobacco-related deaths per year.
The measures - part of a government plan to combat smoking - aim to create a "tobacco-free generation by 2032."
Speaking at a press conference, French Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau said smoking on beaches, public parks, forests and some other public spaces, including close to schools, will soon be banned in France.
The minister did not give an exact timeline but speaking to CNN-affiliate BFMTV, he hinted that people could face fines as early as next year.
Rousseau also announced a gradual price increase for cigarettes, saying that a packet would cost 12 euros ($19) in...