France to ban smoking in public areas

PARIS

The French government plans to ban smoking on all beaches and in public areas, the country's health minister said on Tuesday.

In a statement, Aurelien Rousseau said that an average of 75,000 people die every year in the country due to smoking.

In a bid to decrease smoking-related deaths, he noted that smoking will be banned on beaches, in public gardens, public areas, and schools.

Meanwhile, the price of cigarette packs will also be increased gradually as part of the plan.

From now on, no-smoking areas will be the norm in France, said Rousseau, vowing to provide more support to those who want to quit smoking.