France takes effect wide smoking ban on Thursday

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-01-2007 09:16

Restrictions on French smokers are tightening this week as the first part of a comprehensive anti-smoking law takes effect on Thursday. It's part of a wide ban that will fully go into effect next year.

From Thursday, smoking will be totally banned in schools, hospitals, youth centers and other areas in France. It's prior to a wider ban that will incorporate bars, restaurants and nightclubs. That ban comes into effect on January first, 2008.

Thursday's change will have little immediate effect for many smokers, with bans already in force in many offices and public buildings.

French citizen, said, "I think also that it's a great thing for the non smokers. We have a terrace so we are not really concerned at work but I think that it's a good initiative and maybe we will be able to stop smoking."

The French Health Ministry says the law will help smokers stop, and save lives.

Xavier Bertrand, health minister, said, "We also want to take advantage of the smoking ban to give the smokers the desire to give up. We know that help will be necessary, that is to say a financial and personalized medical help for people."

Anyone who disobeys the ban faces a fine of 68 euros, or some 88 US dollars. Some smokers said that the new law will force them to give up smoking.

Jose Antunes, bus driver, said, "When you are a big smoker, you can't stop smoking on

your own, so it helps. So, the law will force us to give up smoking. It's a good idea."

Tobacco experts said that the law will force change on smokers.

Francois Bissliches, tobacco expert, said, "I think that the message is understood by the non-smokers who were waiting for the law who were the victims of the passive smoking. The law is also understood by the smokers who know that they will have to change their behavior."

A government funded help line center has recently received some 700 calls a day from smokers. And it was receiving 100-120 calls a day before New Year.

Passive smoking kills around 5,000 people in France every year, in addition to 60,000 deaths caused by direct smoking.

The French move follows bans by Ireland, Italy and Sweden. The European Commission has urged all countries in the 27-member bloc to introduce comprehensive bans.

Editor:Du Xiaodan