In France smoking was prohibited! What a horror!
In France more and more candid discussions arise concerning the recently launched smoking ban. This kind of ban was already initiated some years ago, but it failed dismally. The reason was the infringement of personal rights.
New attempt to introduce veto on smoking gained legal force on January 1, 2008. And for this time there is the same reaction.
France feels embarrassment about smoking ban as being a serious violation of personal freedom. Moreover prohibition of smoking in cafes influences the cultural aspect of entire country.
France is known for its cafe-meetings where people gain together for tete-a-tetes. After ban on lightening up in those places it becomes more convenient to buy cigarettes and beer in stores and simply stay home and enjoy them freely.
Recently an article has been published; there details concerning the French ban were described. So, because of holidays France government offers one day more for smokers to enjoy their habit, consequently January 2 is the day of launching. This gesture was classified as a gesture of “tolerance” from government to all smokers. Moreover, the fine in the amount of 450-euro (?332; $662) has been set up, while those who turn a blind eye to smokers on their premises can be fined up to 750 euros, but during the holiday period authorities wouldn’t oversee strictly , as it is a kind of New Year gift from the part of government.
Till now, in France lightening up is prohibited in bars, cafes, restaurants and discos, casinos, airports, railway stations, hospitals, schools, shops and offices and hotels.
