In France smoking in bars and cafes was banned on the 1st of January of this year. There are signs warning of a 68 euro fine for those who light up. Huge signs cover the entrances to cafes with pictures of crossed out cigarettes. The French however, loyal to their stereotype of stubbornness are puffing away inside.
Or it seems that way at first glance. French café owners have had a new obligation on their hands since the beginning of 2008, which is that they must install a so-called fumoir, which has automatic closing doors, air extractors, which of course no one has bothered to install. The French have managed to find the loose ends of these new laws. In France it is still legal to smoke on the terrace of a café or restaurant. The definition of a terrace is a place that is outside the premises without a fixed ceiling and enclosed walls.
Parisian café owners have thrown some tables and chairs out on the sidewalk and called it a terrace. Of course Americans have always done the opposite of the French, but exiled smokers can move to France if the problem gets worse.
[Via: LA Times]
