The parliamentary information mission on the use of tobacco in public places has completed its work. It has approved a report recommending the ban on smoking in collective spaces starting from September 1, 2007. The mission’s report, which covers everything from restaurants to workplaces and prisons, will be made public today. The report was adopted by the UMP representatives, with the socialists abstaining, as well as some UMP members, like Lionnel Luca, deputy for Alpes-Maritimes, and UDF André Santini.
France is thus following the European movement and its neighbor Italy. The government’s decision on the report should be made by mid-October. The government intends to act to combat the 66,000 deaths per year among smokers and the 5,000 victims of passive smoking.
Nice-Première anticipated this report with an article by Kira on this topic on August 23. It reminded that along the coast, upscale establishments were already boycotting cigarette butts, ashes, and smoke. This is the case of the Blue Lotus in the port of Saint-Laurent, and its director explains: “I do this for my customers. But also, out of respect for my cooks. The smell of food mixed with smoke is not a recommended cocktail for the taste buds.”
This article highlighted the differences depending on the places: Consumers and professionals agree that not all public places should be lumped together. The restaurant is dedicated to the pleasures of cuisine, while a bar-tabac, a nightclub, or a casino are places often dedicated to Bacchus-like orgies. Beer flows abundantly, and packs of cigarettes go up in smoke. But some consumers, like Thierry, are willing to try the experience if it can prevent the 5,000 deaths a year from passive smoking. “In Italy, tobacco is banned in all public places. And I, as a smoker myself, found it very pleasant. There wasn’t any drop in cigarette sales either. Italians adapted, why not the French?”
The French will debate this matter at least until September 1, 2007, and the deputies very soon. The question is: Should smokers be deprived of an individual freedom? Isn’t it offensive to implicitly label the tens of millions of smokers as murderers? The debate is likely once again to take on manichean contours and pit the French against each other. A risk to save lives.
Two articles:
April 20, 2006 by Mélody Vissio: [link](https://www.nicepremium.fr/article/la-loi-qui-est-loin-de-faire-un-tabac.620.html)
August 23, 2006 by Kira: [link](https://www.nicepremium.fr/article/interdiction-de-fumer-dans-les-lieux-publics.1032.html)
