Can the government really convince the French to give up smoking?

Inspired by the cafe culture of the 1960s, France, especially Paris, became a place where smokers could indulge in their habit without fear of judgment. Strolling outside while enjoying a cigarette or pipe, accompanied by coffee or a glass of wine, was then a common practice. However, since the ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces in 2008, such as restaurants and shops, public authorities have intensified their surveillance. The consequences of smoking on the health of the younger generations can no longer be ignored. Although new laws restricting smoking have been introduced, the question remains whether they will succeed in eradicating this deeply rooted habit in French culture. This is not the government's first attempt to implement anti-smoking strategies, but these recent measures may be the most aggressive. Additionally, the advent of vapes and e-cigarettes has introduced new challenges that the government must face.

The crisis related to the popularity of Juuls erupted on social media when it became apparent that 13-year-olds were becoming addicted. Although minors are not allowed to purchase e-cigarettes or any other tobacco products in France, the reality remains that a teenager can still ask anyone to acquire these products. Quantifying the impact of smoking on French citizens remains challenging. Cultural phenomena such as Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin, often photographed with a cigarette in hand, can be cited. However, it would be unfair to claim that the country supports and glorifies the act of smoking. The question is not whether smoking is a "national habit" or a cherished pastime, but rather an activity to which citizens associate their personal freedoms, a decision they believe they have the right to make as free individuals under the law.

What are the new measures?

Despite a decrease in smoking in France over the years, the country still has approximately 12 million daily adult smokers. This is a cultural shock for tourists, who never fail to comment on the persistence of smoking. Indeed, according to Eurostat data, the percentage of daily smokers in France exceeds the average of the European Union, with 22% of French people aged 15 and older smoking daily, compared to an EU average of 19%. The new anti-smoking plan, scheduled over four years (2023-2027), represents a crucial first step toward the government's goal of achieving a tobacco-free generation by 2032. Presented by Aurélien Rousseau, French Minister of Health and Prevention, this plan aims to address the alarming reality that smoking remains the leading cause of preventable mortality, causing 75,000 deaths per year, or 200 per day. In this context, the government plans to impose smoking bans on beaches, in forests, and around schools, strengthening the existing 7,200 smoke-free zones in France. The new plan shifts the responsibility for enforcing these bans from local authorities to national authorities.

Cigarette prices will also increase gradually, rising from the current average price of 10 to 11 euros by 2025 and to 13 euros by 2027. The first price increase, of 0.050 €, will take effect on January 1. Regarding disposable e-cigarettes and vapes, the government adopts a rigorous approach by limiting flavors, imposing neutral packaging, and instituting a ban on disposable e-cigarettes. This measure is particularly important for the French government, concerned about the environment, as each disposable e-cig is made of plastic and contains a battery composed of lithium, nicotine salts, and traces of heavy metals, as reported by Le Monde earlier this year.

A lingering lack of motivation

Engaged parties, such as the Alliance against Tobacco and the National Committee against Smoking in France, have expressed their disagreement. According to these organizations, the gradual increase in prices should not have a significant impact on consumption. They emphasize that to see a real difference, a price increase of 15 to 20 euros would be necessary. Indeed, increasing prices by an amount similar to what is typically found in the pockets or handbags of the French does not seem very significant. These measures should be analyzed in terms of incentivizing reduced consumption rather than complete cessation. For example, if a group is on a beach where cigarettes are banned, it seems unlikely that they would walk to the street just for a cigarette. However, questions remain about law enforcement. Will the beaches now be monitored by a "cigarette police"? Will national agents be tasked with patrolling public spaces where tobacco will soon be banned? It's hard to say, but even if that were the case, it would represent a considerable cost.

The most significant measure could be the ban and restriction of disposable e-cigarettes, although it is hoped that this restriction will not push minors towards traditional cigarettes. It is hoped that, given the young generation's appetite for fruit-flavored tobacco, this restriction will be sufficient to encourage them to quit altogether or even never start. Despite warnings about cancer affixed to cigarette packs, the French seem reluctant to give up smoking, perhaps due to a lack of motivation. The cultural judgment on French smokers differs significantly from that in other countries. Could more stringent restrictions on waste, artistic installations illustrating the effects of smoking, or the quantity of cigarettes consumed by the French, or even films without smoking scenes, be considered? Regardless, the government will need to demonstrate increased creativity if it wants to achieve its ambitious smoking reduction goals.