TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin French smoking ban

I know this was discussed in a prior post but here is the full yext of the law. I'm just the messenger so be kind.

"Effective today — Sunday, June 29, 2025 — a major public health shift has taken effect in France and all its territories. Smoking is now banned in dozens of public outdoor spaces, from the beaches of Guadeloupe to the parks of Paris.
🔥 This is urgent. The ban is live now — and the penalties are real.
You can no longer smoke:
🏖 On beaches (like Sainte-Anne in Guadeloupe or Nice on the Riviera)
🌳 In public parks (from Champ de Mars in Paris to Botanical Garden in Fort-de-France, Martinique)
🚏 At bus stops, tram stops, and train platforms (Hexagone + Outre-mer)
🏫 Near schools, libraries, stadiums, swimming pools — within a 10-meter radius
The law covers all of France, including:
🇫🇷 Mainland cities: Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Lille...
🏝 Overseas territories:
Caribbean: Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy
Indian Ocean: La Réunion, Mayotte
Pacific: New Caledonia, French Polynesia (like Tahiti, Bora Bora), Wallis and Futuna
North Atlantic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon
> “Where there are children, there must be no tobacco,” said Health Minister Catherine Vautrin. “A beach, a park, a school — these are places to breathe, not to smoke.”
⚠️ Break the rule? Get fined.
🚓 Violators face:
A 135-euro fine (standard)
Up to 750 euros in aggravated cases
The Ministry of Health has confirmed enforcement starts immediately, though a brief "awareness" period will be allowed in some places.
❌ Vaping is NOT included — yet.
E-cigarettes remain legal in public spaces under this law — a point that’s already drawing criticism from anti-tobacco advocates. “Flavored vapes are bait for kids,” said Yves Martinet of the National Committee Against Tobacco.
📉 Smoking is dropping — but the government wants a smoke-free generation.
Smoking kills 75,000 people annually in France.
Passive smoke causes 3,000–5,000 deaths a year.
Only 24% of adults smoked daily in 2023 — a record low.
This law is seen as a bold push toward a smoke-free generation. And it’s just the start: the government also raised penalties for selling tobacco or vape products to minors.
If you're in Guadeloupe, La Réunion, Paris, or any part of France — this change affects you right now. Watch for new signage in your town and don’t light up where you shouldn’t."

Je adore

J'adore, aussi!! Finallement. It now remains to be seen how well it's enforced.

There are exceptions for outdoor cafés and bar terraces. Expect many businesses to interpret those exceptions loosely.

What exceptions? I didn't see any.

Whether or not it is mentioned depends on where you look. Here’s one source. Check the last paragraph. AP News Link.

I am really happy if there will be no smoking at the restaurant and other public places. I am not a smoker and nothing stinks as bad as a cigarette when you are at the restaurant or even at the beach. Some people have no manners and don’t care if their smoke is blown into the neighbor face… I enjoy a cigar once in a while but I always move away from anybody who is close to me.

"… I enjoy a cigar once in a while but I always move away from anybody who is close to me."
Same here.

KGB--if you smoke cigars, I don't think you can say you are not a smoker.. I have never smoked either one, but I will say that I personally consider cigar smoke MUCH worse. I doubt the law will make much difference to the smoking habits on SXM, but I could be wrong.

… I enjoy a cigar once in a while but I always move away from anybody who is close to me."
same here.

Cruiser is on island at GCBC right now. Maybe he can tell us if the French side is honoring this new law.

Personally I would take a cigar over cigarettes. I've never seen anyone chain smoking cigars. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen....It seems like I always get seated next to someone chain smoking. UGH!

I can't tell any difference, but then I'm not looking carefully. I'll try to keep my eyes peeled.

Or your nose might detect it. LOL

Given that smoking in restaurants was banned in 2007/2008, my hopes are not high, but there is always hope.