Out From Under The Cloud (of Smoke)

Yay!! Hooray!!!

The French government has enacted a law banning smoking “dans les CHR” (cafes, hotels, restaurants), which went into effect on January 2, 2008. In 2007, another law banned smoking in other public places, such as offices, schools, government buildings, and that was largely adhered to.

Many French people of all ages smoke, especially in the social scene, so the CHR seemed more controversial and has generated a lot of discussion. So far (6 days on) people seem to be complying—at least in places we’ve been to. Supposedly, in an earlier referendum, the majority of French voters voted in favor of this law (even some of the smokers). In addition, there are stiff monetary penalties for those caught smoking, both for the individual smoker and for the bar/cafe/hotel involved.

Our local bar/brasserie at gare de Lozere is a friendly, comfortable place but we seldom went there because of the clouds of (obnoxious) smoke that burned our eyes and throats and gave our clothes and hair that stale-smoke smell. But, last Saturday we took a visitor there for a beer and the air was clear: smokers took their cigarettes outside, in spite of the cold. What a pleasure (for us!). We’ve had the same experience in a couple of other cafes in the city, so it’s looking hopeful. If a smoking ban can work in Scotland, it should also work in France!!

Newspapers are full of editorials, quotes (from smokers and non-smokers), rants, and sympathy notes. A big ad announces that licking suckers (lollipops) in public is not forbidden. A brand of suckers called Chupa Chups has many new ads—the main theme being that Chupa Chups help you to relax, give you something to do in a social setting and don’t make you gain weight. Some cafes and bars are even putting out special Chupa Chups ‘Trays’ instead of ashtrays, and trendy people are seen walking around with these suckers.

Whatever it takes!