Jun 28, Kathmandu - France has announced a complete ban on smoking in public places such as beaches, parks, public gardens and bus stops. The ban will also apply to libraries, swimming pools and outdoor areas of schools, according to a new decree published in the official gazette today. Smoking will be allowed on the outdoor terraces of cafes.

Health Minister Catherine Vautrin said in May that the decision was necessary to protect children from passive smoking. She said that cigarettes should be removed from places where children are, adding that children have the right to breathe clean air.

Anyone who violates the rules will have to pay a fine of 135 euros, or more than 21,500 rupees. It is estimated that about 75,000 people die in France every year from smoking-related diseases. According to opinion polls, 62 percent of French citizens support a smoking ban in public places.