Shocking images, plain packaging, price increases, smoking banned on the beach...: a look back at 50 years of anti-smoking measures

Health warnings on tobacco packages began modestly with the Veil Law of July 9, 1976: the law, named after Health Minister Simone Veil, required the labeling "dangerous abuse" on the packaging.

A seemingly undissuasive statement: in the 10 years that followed, consumption remained very high among men (44% of regular smokers in 1986, 17 cigarettes per day on average) and exploded among women (consumption more than doubled, study published in 2005 by the InVS, predecessor of Public Health France).

It was not until the Evin Law of 1991 that a more direct statement, "seriously harms health," appeared on packages. But it was the law of July 26, 2005, that made it possible to have "smoking kills" written in large letters on packages.

On April 20, 2010, a decree from the Minister of Health imposed shocking images on packages: 14 images (blackened lungs, damaged teeth, etc.) chosen from a list proposed by the European Union.

On September 25, 2014, France further strengthened its arsenal with the adoption of plain packaging: packaging without logos or eye-catching colors, with health warnings and dissuasive photos. This measure is considered one of the most effective against the powerful marketing tactics of cigarette companies.

As legislation has been passed, smoking exclusion zones have become more numerous and extensive.

The Veil Law of 1976 simply provided for a ban in places of collective use "where this practice can have dangerous consequences for health." The Evin Law of 1991 established a general ban on smoking in places of collective use and transport, except in "smoking" areas.

On November 15, 2006, a decree imposed a total ban on smoking in all enclosed or covered public places, including businesses, effective February 1, 2007. Cafes, tobacconists, restaurants and nightclubs have until January 1, 2008 to comply.

In high schools and middle schools, the smoking ban is extended to all areas, including open spaces such as playgrounds.

As of July 1, 2025, smoking will be prohibited in parks, public gardens, beaches, bus shelters, around schools, as well as in open spaces of libraries, swimming pools, stadiums and sports facilities and around these places.

Cigarette advertising on TV, in cinemas, on the radio, and on posters ended with the Veil Law of 1976. The Evin Law of 1991 increased the pressure by extending the ban on tobacco advertising to all media. This latest law also marked a turning point in terms of pricing, removing tobacco prices from the price index and freeing this product from the constraints of the fight against inflation.

The gradual increase in taxation on cigarettes is becoming possible, as price is one of the most effective weapons against smoking.

Today, more than 80% of the price of tobacco sold in France is tax-free. It currently costs around 13 euros to buy a pack of 20 cigarettes, compared to the equivalent of 2 euros in 1993 and 3.20 euros in 2000.