Nearly eight in ten French people report being bothered by tobacco smoke. In response, Health Minister Marisol Touraine has challenged cafes and restaurants nationwide to sign a charter committing to non-smoking terraces. In return, participating establishments will receive free listings on the "Ma Terrasse sans tabac" website, helping French locals and tourists easily find them.
While smoking in enclosed public spaces has been banned for years, the "Ma Terrasse sans tabac" initiative from the Ministry of Health aims to extend protections outdoors. Beyond creating smoke-free zones, it encourages cafe owners to educate staff—and customers—about the dangers of smoking. To support this, the ministry is launching a dedicated app. Like the website, it lets users locate smoke-free terraces across France, share favorites, and nominate new venues. The app is free for all, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
This promising effort could significantly improve public health and dining experiences.
