The national committee against smoking calls for the banning of flavors in electronic cigarettes, as well as better control of advertisements, in particular so as not to attract minors to the consumption of these products.
The national committee against smoking calls on the public authorities to ban flavorings other than tobacco, for all products containing nicotine, and also calls on the authorities to better regulate the sale of these products.
franceinfo: What is the legislation for minors?
Philippe Duport: They are not the ones who do not have the right to consume tobacco or derivative products, but the tobacconists who do not have the right to sell them. The responsibility rests solely with the tobacconists. They should systematically check the age of their customers. They are entitled to ask them for an identity document.
Problem, says Emmanuelle Béguinot, director of the national committee against smoking, the CNCT, they are never checked themselves, and sell to minors illegally. It is true that by doing so, they expose themselves to fairly weak penalties: a fine of 135 euros.
What about a parent, or anyone else, giving cigarettes to a minor?
There is no text for this situation, and therefore no criminal sanction provided.
Are we allowed to smoke in schools?
No, it is forbidden to smoke inside schools, even in places that are not closed and covered. Adults – pawns, teachers, adult students – must leave the establishment to smoke. Otherwise, they risk a fine of 68 euros, and the person in charge of the place, a fine of 135 euros.
It is also forbidden to sell tobacco near schools…
Yes, but that only applies to new establishments, which would be set up. Elders can continue to practice. This also applies near hospitals, and sports facilities for that matter. The prohibition distance limit is set department by department, by the prefect.
Is it allowed to smoke in your car, if there is a minor inside?
The car is in the private sphere, however, a law of February 2016 prohibits smoking in a car, if there are minors on board. It is believed that there is a very high risk of passive smoking. You risk, if you do, a fine of 68 euros.
And in playgrounds?
It is forbidden to smoke in the playgrounds of parks and gardens, it is a national ban, but the mayors can extend this ban to all the parks and gardens of their municipality, in certain busy streets, on beaches or, to return to minors, near schools.