French Snuff Out Smoking Ban
 

So much for France banning smoking in public places like restaurants and cafes...as when the Chirac's ruling party decided to not support it the measure died.
Major opposition from tobacconists and the food catering industry helped put the kibosh on the proposal. One party leader said "it's not by such brutal bans" that would change public behavior. (! What better to change smoking in public places than such a law!) It's obvious to even the least intutitive observor that the government once again caved into special interests.
And if the law had passed it could have been a sham if not enforced - as i've written before i've seen railway personnel smoking in non-smoking train stations and customs officials at CDG airport puffing away right in front of a large no-smoking pictogram! And the current law about providing non-smoking areas in cafes is also often a sham - my local cafes near my son's house in France each put one non-smoking area sign on one table - a table in the middle of smoking allowed tables!
Ireland, Italy, Norway and Malta are still the only EU members with a comprehensive smoking ban in public places - Italy of all places!

Norway is NOT in the EU!!!!!!!!

The smoking ban here is great! You're actually able to go out and enjoy yourself and breathe and not come home stinking like a skank!

Interesting PalenqueBob. I just assumed the law would pass since it did in Italy of all places..well you just never know when it comes to politics do you? BTW, I do enjoy a cigarette, but NOT in a restaurant.

That's because you can't, loveitaly - you live in California!

I'm sure LoveItaly would be a courteous smoker, California laws or no California laws.

Sorry to hear the ban didn't go through. I am tolerant in another country because it is their custom, etc. but I went to two different Laduree's this past April and the smoke was so stiffling I couldn't enjoy my food.

Of course that won't stop me from going to Paris, I will just make better choices when dining out.

Dear Holly, that was a fun comment you made but just for your information I never smoked in restaurants! In cocktail lounges yes, but never in restaurants. I have never smoked in my vehicle..out of consideration for anyone else that rides with me.

Even in my own residence when I have company unless they also smoke if I absolutely want a cigarette I go outside.

Thank you Madison for your comment! I appreicate it. Take good care!

Well Madison, actually I appreciate it! Must learn to proofread, LOL.

LoveItaly - You're welcome. And I didn't even notice the typo.

France has always been lax on tobacco legislation - it was only a few years ago that a minimum age for buying tobacco went into effect (16 ans) so even little kids could buy them.
The state tobacco monopoly SITA i believe makes tons of money on taxes was one reason they avoided crack down on smoking - even though health service run by government lost money on health care (though some say early deaths from tobacco actually saves the state on social security payments!)

Isn't enough of Paris burning already?

I guess France doesn't care about the health of its workers.

Hey, what's a few dozen air-borne carcinogens amongst friends?

Unfortunately, France is not the only country in which &quot;the government caves in to special interests&quot; but perhaps one saving grace is the possibility that in France, the government isn't <b>run</b>by special interests!