This measure, framed in the framework of the 2023-2027 tobacco control program of the French State, aims to ensure that children breathe clean air. For this reason, as of July 1, smoking will not be allowed in the different public spaces where children meet, such as beaches, school areas, bus stops, parks or sports centers. In some areas a ban is already in place, however: The beach of Puerto Viejo in Biarritz, for example, was declared a tobacco-free zone in 2015, being the first in the Basque Country.

“Everywhere there are children, tobacco has to disappear.” This is how Catherine Vautrin, Minister of Labour, Health, Solidarity and Family of the French Government, spoke in the Ouest-France media. According to the Minister, the right to smoke ends when the right of children to breathe clean air begins, and failure to respect the ban will result in a fine of 135 euros. However, the French Government will not extend the ban to hotel terraces or e-cigarettes, although it intends to limit the amount of nicotine and the variety of flavors of the latter.

As far as the South Basque Country is concerned, the Spanish Government intends to extend the ban. If the draft bill is approved, smoking will be banned in terraces, universities, public swimming pools and other outdoor recreational areas.