In France, 2008 Means Défense de Fumer

Nouvelle année accompanies nationwide ban on smoke-filled cafes
By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 28, 2007 1:20 PM CST
In France, 2008 Means Défense de Fumer
A waiter carries drinks outside a no-smoking bar (Bar non fumeur) in Bayonne, southwestern France, Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007. Cafes and restaurants will go smoke-free on Jan. 1, 2008. (AP Photo/Bob Edme)   (Associated Press)

Say goodbye to the tradition of puffing on Gauloises at Paris cafes: Beginning Tuesday, France becomes the latest nation to introduce a complete smoking ban in restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs. The ban has widespread support, although diehard smokers are threatening to fight it. "I cannot stand the idea of a hygienic, clean, and, sorry to say, 'American style' society," one smoking advocate told Bloomberg.

A poll conducted for France's National Institute of Health found that an overwhelming 71% wanted cigarettes out of cafes, and even more favored clean air in restaurants. Less than a quarter of French citizens smoke. Berlin and Munich will also go smoke-free in 2008 as 11 German states introduce smoking bans. (More smoking ban stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X