French smokers fume but resigned to smoking ban

By James Mackenzie

PARIS (Reuters) - Smoking restrictions tighten this week as France tries to drive the once-ubiquitous cigarette from public spaces, but many smokers are angry and deeply suspicious of government attempts to coax them into healthier habits.

From Thursday smoking will be banned in French schools, hospitals and youth centres. A wider ban from January 1, 2008 will incorporate bars, restaurants and workplaces.

It is a significant change in a country whose moody, chain-smoking filmstars have contributed to the air of glamour that can still cling to the cloud of a glowing Gauloise.

"It's bullshit," fumed Paris office worker Aida Malika, shivering outside her workplace in Paris.

"They're taking away our small pleasures. They're just treating us like cattle, that's really what it is," she said, before heading back to work.

Anyone who disobeys the ban faces a fine of 68 euros (35 pounds), while a building's management could be fined 135 euros for allowing smoking to take place.

Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin said on Tuesday he realised the change would be difficult but the government would be helping people who wanted to give up smoking.

"We will have to convince people quickly of the benefits for public health, but it will move our country along in the right direction," he told reporters.