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French official proposes banning smoking in certain public spaces

PARIS, July 22 (UPI) -- A French lawmaker has proposed banning smoking in public areas including parks, beaches, and near schools.

French Health Minister Marisol Touraine called for the implementation of anti-smoking measures in an interview Sunday, France 24 reported.

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Touraine said she wanted to ban smoking in certain outdoor public areas throughout France, "parks, university campuses, beaches [and] in front of schools."

"Is it normal for mothers, fathers or nannies to smoke in a public park where children play? I don't think so," Touraine told La Journal de Dimanche.

"I want towns and cities to move in this direction through discussions and create non-smoking spaces, whether parks, university campuses or beaches," Touraine said.

Meanwhile, other officials agreed with Touraine's proposal, but said other things need to be done to curb smoking in France, Radio France Internationale reported.

Mayor Yves Bur of Lingolsheim said Touraine's plan should not replace the need of creating a comprehensive policy aimed at helping people quit.

Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in France, The National Institute for Prevention and Health Education said. On average, active smoking kills 59,000 men and 14,000 women in France each year.

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