[Intl-tobacco] France to consider smoking ban in public places

[Robert Weissman]

  France to consider smoking ban in public places



STRASBOURG, France, Aug 1 (AFP) - A proposition aimed at stamping out
smoking in public places across France is being prepared for
parliamentary debate in November, the MP behind the move, Yves Bur, told
AFP Monday.

The measure, if adopted, would see France join Ireland, Italy, Norway
and Malta in banning cigarettes nationwide in cafes, bars, restaurants
and other places where people gather.

It would represent a veritable revolution in a country where an
estimated one-third of the population still lights up despite successive
price hikes that make cigarettes sold in France among the most expensive
in Europe.

Smoking is already prohibited in most forms of public transport and in
office spaces.


Up to now, though, those who need nicotine with their coffee or dessert
have puffed on unperturbed, to the chagrin of non-smokers around them.

"The proposition is not yet formalised. We are in the stage of going
over the idea with the main anti-smoking groups and in September I will
start discussions with professional organisations," Bur said.

In October, he planned to meet Irish health authorities and business
representatives to hear their experience and then, if all went to plan,
the bill would be presented November 3, he said.

"The French are a lot more amenable to this sort of restriction than you
might imagine," Bur said, though he admitted he was far from certain
that his initiative would make it into law.

Copyright AFP