The New Year festivities are over but there is another reason the celebrate………finally there will be NO more smoking in French bars and restaurants. The ban on smoking in public places in France has been extended today, Wednesday 2nd January, and it now applies to all bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels….yippee! What a pleasure to come home without reeking of smoke after a night out. The French health ministry allowed smokers a 24-hour “grace” period for the New Year festivities, but now any smoker caught ignoring the restrictions can be fined up to 450 euros, and the owners of the premises who turn a blind eye to smokers can also be fined up to 750 euros. An exception is being made for establishments that have an airtight and ventilated area, designated as a smoking room. Patrons will be allowed to smoke outside such as on restaurant terraces and at pavement tables. (Shame). France has about 13.5 million smokers, and surprisingly, polls suggest that three quarters of the population approve of the ban. The French way of life may be changing? You never know Dogs might even be banned in restaurants soon…but I prefer dogs to smoke when I’m eating.
