France: Public support grows for vaping bans in non-smoking areas

A recent poll indicates that a majority of French citizens favor banning vaping in non-smoking public spaces. This comes amid ongoing debates regarding the legal status of e-cigarettes, which currently occupy an ambiguous position in France—neither classified as medicine nor fully regulated like traditional tobacco under the Évin law.

While daily smoking rates among 16-year-olds in France have dropped significantly from 16% in 2015 to 3.1% in 2024, health advocates note a cultural shift. The cigarette is experiencing a resurgence in popularity on social media, driven by influencers and trends like the ‘messy girl’ aesthetic, which romanticizes a rebellious, grunge-inspired lifestyle.

This cultural trend contrasts with France’s national goal to achieve a tobacco-free generation by 2032. As legislative discussions regarding vaping taxation and restrictions intensify, public opinion and social media influence present conflicting pressures on future health policies.