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IT'S OFFICIAL One major cliché of France is the image of a smoker, but no longer --A nationwide ban on smoking in cafés, restaurants and bars went into effect Jan. 1, with opinion polls generally in favor of the change. All the more reason to go out and not worry about your clothes, hair, etc. smelling like smoke!
The French Government announced in late 2006 its intention to forbid smoking in all enclosed public spaces. This is in keeping with a wave of anti-smoking legislation, which began here in the US and has since taken hold in several European countries, Spain and Italy among them. The smoking ban came into effect February 2007 and it prohibits smoking in public places, including offices and schools. The ban has now been extended to restaurants, dance clubs and some bars.
More useful information:
The Evin law (January 10, 1991) prohibited smoking in public places (museums, monuments, cinemas) or on public transport. Restaurants soon began dividing into smoking and non-smoking areas. French law (In French only).
The legal blood alcohol level for drivers is less than 0.5g/L (instead of 0.7g before September 15, 1995).
The police and gendarmerie have the right to test for alcohol levels in a driver's blood.
It is prohibited to sell or offer alcoholic drinks to minors age 16 and under (in drinks outlets, shops and public places).
According to the law of January 10, 1991, it is prohibited to introduce alcoholic drinks into sporting and physical-activity establishments.
The use of drugs and bringing them into France is strictly forbidden.
French law (In French only). |