France bans smoking on beaches, in parks and bus shelters

France will ban smoking on beaches and in parks, public gardens and bus shelters from Sunday, the government said.

The decree, published in the official government gazette on Saturday, will also ban smoking outside libraries, swimming pools and schools, and is aimed at protecting children from passive smoking.

The decree did not mention electronic cigarettes. Violators of the ban will face a fine of €135 (Rs44,849).

“Tobacco must disappear from places where there are children,”...