Turning smoke-free: 12 countries that have banned smoking in public

As of July 1, 2025, France has enforced a sweeping new smoking ban, extending restrictions to public beaches, forests, parks, and around schools. The move marks a growing global trend: governments across continents are clamping down on smoking in public spaces to protect public health, reduce second-hand smoke exposure, and cut smoking rates — especially among the young.

From pioneering nations like Ireland and Singapore to newer adopters like France and Thailand, the world is steadily moving toward a smoke-free future. Here’s a look at countries that have enacted public smoking bans, with a snapshot of what those bans cover.

France’s new regulations, effective July 1, 2025, ban smoking in outdoor public spaces such as parks, beaches, forests, and areas near schools. This builds on its earlier bans in restaurants, bars, and public transport. The government is also cracking down on disposable e-cigarettes and aims to create “tobacco-free zones” across the country. The move signals a cultural shift in a country once synonymous with café cigarettes and open-air smoking.

The UK banned smoking in enclosed public spaces in 2007, beginning with England and soon extending to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The ban covers pubs, restaurants, offices, and public transport. Many local councils have gone further, banning smoking near hospitals, playgrounds, and school entrances. Proposals to raise the legal smoking age to effectively phase out tobacco sales are currently under discussion.

Australia has some of the toughest tobacco laws in the world. While the original public smoking bans started with indoor spaces, all states and territories now prohibit smoking in many outdoor areas too — including beaches, bus stops, outdoor dining areas, and near children’s playgrounds. The country also introduced plain packaging for cigarettes and continues to increase tobacco taxes to discourage smoking.

New Zealand’s smoke-free journey began with bans in indoor public spaces in 2004, but has since evolved dramatically. Smoking is now banned in many outdoor spaces like school grounds, parks, and sports venues. The government had announced plans to implement a generational tobacco ban, though that law was later repealed by a new administration. Still, public smoking is widely restricted, and the country remains committed to achieving a smoke-free future.

Smoking bans in Canada vary by province, but the trend is strongly anti-smoking. Enclosed public spaces and workplaces are universally smoke-free. Most provinces also restrict smoking within several metres of building entrances, on patios, and in parks or playgrounds. Some cities, like Vancouver and Toronto, have gone further with strict enforcement. Canada also has tight regulations on vaping in public.

Ireland made global headlines in 2004 when it became the first country to impose a full ban on smoking in indoor workplaces, including pubs and restaurants. The law was groundbreaking and paved the way for similar legislation worldwide. Since then, Ireland has introduced bans near schools and playgrounds and is actively working toward denormalising smoking among youth. Compliance has remained high thanks to strong public support.

Singapore is known for its strict public health and cleanliness laws, and smoking is no exception. Smoking is banned in almost all public places —indoor and outdoor — including hawker centres, bus stops, common corridors, parks, and even designated non-smoking zones in neighborhoods. Offenders face heavy fines. The government enforces these laws rigorously, and new tobacco control measures are frequently added.

Norway banned smoking in bars and restaurants in 2004 and has since expanded restrictions to include schools, hospitals, and most public buildings. Smoking is also prohibited in private vehicles carrying children. There’s growing public support for bans in outdoor areas such as parks and sports arenas. Norway also enforces strict tobacco packaging rules and promotes cessation programmes.

India banned smoking in public places in 2008 under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). This includes public transport, cinemas, restaurants, and workplaces. In many states and cities, local governments have added outdoor restrictions in places like parks and railway stations. Enforcement remains a challenge due to population size, but anti-smoking awareness has increased sharply in recent years.

South Africa’s public smoking ban dates back to the early 2000s and includes indoor public places, restaurants, and public transport. Smoking is also banned within a certain distance of entrances, and inside cars carrying passengers under 12. The government is now considering stronger tobacco control measures, including plain packaging and tighter vaping laws.

While there is no federal smoking ban in the US, most states have implemented bans in public indoor spaces such as offices, restaurants, and bars. Cities like New York, San Francisco, and Boston have added outdoor bans in parks, beaches, and around schools. Smoking in public housing has also been banned by federal order. Anti-smoking legislation is now expanding to include vaping in many jurisdictions.

Thailand has imposed strict anti-smoking regulations over the past decade. Smoking is banned in most indoor public places, including restaurants, bars, and airports. Additionally, the country has banned smoking on many beaches to protect the environment. Enforcement includes spot fines, and tourists are often reminded of the rules. Thailand also restricts advertising and has banned e-cigarettes altogether.