Briefly

FRANCE

Smoking ban imposed in beaches and parks

France on Sunday banned smoking in parks and on beaches, part of efforts to protect the public from passive smoking and create the country's first nonsmoking generation. The ban, published in the official government gazette on Saturday, also applies to bus shelters and areas near libraries, swimming pools and schools. It was introduced one week before the start of school holidays, aiming to shield children from passive smoking on beaches. The rules do not apply to bars and restaurant terraces, where smoking remains permitted. They also do not apply to electronic cigarettes.