This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/6319649.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
France's smoking ban takes effect France's smoking ban takes effect
(about 1 hour later)
A widespread ban has come into force in France on smoking in workplaces.A widespread ban has come into force in France on smoking in workplaces.
People lighting up in airports, railway stations, hospitals, schools, shops and offices will face fines. Restaurants and bars have until December to comply.People lighting up in airports, railway stations, hospitals, schools, shops and offices will face fines. Restaurants and bars have until December to comply.
The BBC Paris correspondent says 70% of people in France say they favour the ban as do half of all smokers.The BBC Paris correspondent says 70% of people in France say they favour the ban as do half of all smokers.
France is the latest in a long line of European countries - including Italy and Ireland - to introduce complete or partial bans on smoking in public.France is the latest in a long line of European countries - including Italy and Ireland - to introduce complete or partial bans on smoking in public.
In 2004, Ireland became the first European country to introduce a comprehensive ban in all workplaces, including pubs and restaurants.In 2004, Ireland became the first European country to introduce a comprehensive ban in all workplaces, including pubs and restaurants.
Sweden, Italy and Malta followed suit with their own wide-ranging public bans.Sweden, Italy and Malta followed suit with their own wide-ranging public bans.
Although there is no anti-smoking policy at European level, the EU's executive in Brussels has indicated it would welcome steps towards pan-European norms.Although there is no anti-smoking policy at European level, the EU's executive in Brussels has indicated it would welcome steps towards pan-European norms.
Shifting attitudesShifting attitudes
From Thursday, those flouting the ban in France will face a penalty of 68 euros (£45) for individuals and 135 euros (£90) for companies.From Thursday, those flouting the ban in France will face a penalty of 68 euros (£45) for individuals and 135 euros (£90) for companies.
Today there is a large consensus in French opinion for this banning of smoking and I think it will be a good thing for the majority Yves BurUMP deputy Global smoking curbs
Employees at private companies will be allowed to smoke but only if sealed smoking rooms have been set up for them.Employees at private companies will be allowed to smoke but only if sealed smoking rooms have been set up for them.
"There could well be fines if there are people who refuse to co-operate. But I am very confident," said Health Minister Xavier Bertrand."There could well be fines if there are people who refuse to co-operate. But I am very confident," said Health Minister Xavier Bertrand.
"Smokers are increasingly understanding, non-smokers are increasingly determined, and above all there has been a striking change in attitudes.""Smokers are increasingly understanding, non-smokers are increasingly determined, and above all there has been a striking change in attitudes."
Today there is a large consensus in French opinion for this banning of smoking and I think it will be a good thing for the majority Yves BurUMP deputy
Under existing laws dating back to the early 1990s, separate smoking areas are already supposed to have been set aside for smokers, but in practice the rule has rarely been enforced.Under existing laws dating back to the early 1990s, separate smoking areas are already supposed to have been set aside for smokers, but in practice the rule has rarely been enforced.
A member of the centre-right UMP party who proposed the smoking ban to the National Assembly two years ago, Yves Bur, told the BBC cigarettes were no longer a part of French culture:A member of the centre-right UMP party who proposed the smoking ban to the National Assembly two years ago, Yves Bur, told the BBC cigarettes were no longer a part of French culture:
"I think that the image of the French culture, the French way of life, is not only the smoking of cigarettes."I think that the image of the French culture, the French way of life, is not only the smoking of cigarettes.
"Today there is a large consensus in French opinion for this banning of smoking and I think it will be a good thing for the majority.""Today there is a large consensus in French opinion for this banning of smoking and I think it will be a good thing for the majority."
According to EU figures, France's figures of 26.1% of "daily smokers" is slightly lower than the 25-state EU average of 26.5%.According to EU figures, France's figures of 26.1% of "daily smokers" is slightly lower than the 25-state EU average of 26.5%.