Smoking ban sparks fury as smokers rage ‘we have no freedom anymore!’ | World | News

Under a scorching sun, people who came to sunbathe in the bragging-les flots near Montpellier have been forced to adapt to a new decree since smoking has been banned on the beach since June 29th. This country’s measurements, individual freedoms and measures for pollution are caught between fighting and protecting public health.

The reactions to the smoking ban on the French beaches were confused while some of them were applauded, while others launched violent criticisms. “This nonsense, we no longer have freedom!” Lauded Sandra has learned the news while finishing his cigarette, living in his fifties for two years in his fifties. Herault Tribune. “I love to drink my cigarette on the beach after a meal … When I put the pitts aside and leave the beach, I throw them into the trash.”

Accordingly La DececheInès from Narbonne said: “I’m smoking, but I see it as a violation of freedom. It is ugly to watch for what we do in parks or beaches.” For him, common sense should be valid. “Smokers need to adapt, yes, but there is no need to change the law to a great extent.”

“There is no need to prohibit it. If I see the children around, I will move away; I have all that. Why does the state bother us in public places?” He questioned Lambert from Narbonne. “It sounds like we go back to Covid Times […] To be honest, aren’t there more serious problems? “

The decree, published in the official magazine on June 28, says that many open -air public places, including beaches, parks and school entrances and bus stops, are forbidden to smoke. Any violation may cause a fine of € 135 (£ 116), which may increase up to 750 € (£ 647). While 90% of smokers began before the age of 18, the French government brought new prohibitions that “clearly targeting daily socialization places for young people”.

“The aim is to help tobacco denormalization and limit its social attractiveness. These bans aim to protect the environment, especially by limiting waste about cigarette butts,” he said. Each year, between 20,000 and 25,000 tons of cigarette butts, only one can pollute water up to 500 liters.

However, many of them criticize smoking as selfish on the beach, but also not harmful to both wildlife and people: “I think this ban should not be selfish not for the environment and the planet, but also for other non -smokers on the beach.” Orum I understand that you can disturb people. Here, I have a sea in front of me. If I want to smoke, I will go back to the navigation. ”

Inès, one of the two young students in the region, added, “Smokers are exposed to cancer, but also pollution for seagulls or fish,” he added.

In France, tobacco consumption kills 75,000 people every year and represents more than 200 deaths per day. Globally, tobacco smoke, even outdoors, is responsible for 1.2 million premature deaths per year, according to DSÖ.

Minister of Business and Health Catherine Vautrin, “Where children are, tobacco should be lost. A park, a beach, a school, they play, learn, will breathe; not smoking; not smoking;