Lights out for French smokers

SMOKING will be illegal in French cafes, bars and restaurants from January, 2008 under a ban announced by Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin.

Unveiling a general prohibition on smoking in public areas from next February, the prime minister told RTL radio that a reprieve of 11 months will be permitted to establishments that “traditionally welcome smokers”.

“It will be on January 1, 2008 that in bars, restaurants and discotheques the measure will come into effect,” Mr de Villepin said.