French public supports tobacco sale ban for young people

A proposed law in France aims to prohibit the sale of tobacco to people born after a specific date, inspired by a similar law enacted in the United Kingdom in April. The French public appears supportive, with 61 percent in favor of such a measure, according to a survey by the Ligue contre le cancer.

Younger generations show stronger support

The survey reveals that younger people in France are more likely to support the tobacco sale ban than older individuals. Among those aged 18-24, 71 percent support the measure, and 61 percent of those aged 15-17 agree, compared to 56 percent of those aged 65 and over.

Current smoking rates among youth are declining

The support for the ban is reflected in real-world trends: only 3 percent of 16-year-olds in France smoke daily, according to the French Observatory on Drugs and Addictive Trends. This is a significant drop from 15.7 percent in 2015.

Policy of small steps against smoking evolves

The "policy of small steps" against smoking, first proposed in November 2025 by Greens' deputy Nicolas Thierry, initially aimed to ban tobacco sales to those born after January 1, 2014, starting in 2032. However, the proposal has undergone changes during legislative debates.

Amendment tightens the tobacco sale ban

Deputies of the Social Affairs Committee of the National Assembly adopted an amendment to the 2027 Social Security Financing Bill (PLFSS) that modifies the threshold for the tobacco sale ban. The ban would now apply to people born from January 1, 2009, with implementation potentially beginning as early as January 1, 2027.

Ligue contre le cancer supports continued anti-smoking efforts

The Ligue contre le cancer advocates for continuing the "policy of small steps" against smoking, following measures such as plain packaging with awareness messages and increasing tobacco prices. If adopted, the bill would be a first in the European Union.

Tobacco is a leading cause of cancer deaths

According to the Ligue contre le cancer, tobacco is responsible for 38,000 cancer-related deaths each year in France. Survey conducted by Ifop for the Ligue contre le cancer on a sample of 2,100 people, representative of the French population aged 15 and over. The interviews were conducted through self-administered online questionnaires from October 5 to October 12, 2026.