Faced with ongoing public health challenges, many countries around the world are gradually tightening their smoking laws. France recently announced a ban on smoking on beaches as part of a broader campaign aimed at getting people to quit smoking. This move is part of a four-year 'anti-tobacco plan,' which by the first half of 2024 will also include a ban on smoking near schools and in state-owned forests and green areas.

There are already over 7,200 tobacco-free zones in France designated by local councils. This includes forest areas in the south of France, which are high-risk for fires. France has yet to announce details on how the ban will be enforced and whether penalties will be imposed on violators.

Mexico has also introduced radical measures, completely banning tobacco smoking in all public places, including hotels and beaches. Previously, the smoking ban applied only to public transport, bars, workplaces, and restaurants. Since January 15, the government has extended legislation to all indoor and outdoor public spaces such as hotels, resorts, beaches, parks, and places where children gather.

The only legal places to smoke tobacco in Mexico are within private homes or private outdoor spaces. The country now has one of the strictest anti-tobacco laws in the world. Tourists who smoke can be fined between $50 and $300 (46 to 277 euros) for smoking in public places, according to Reuters. Those who refuse to comply with the ban can also face up to 36 hours in jail.

Regulations on electronic cigarettes and vaporizers have also been tightened. These devices cannot be imported, sold, or used in public places in Mexico.

Mexico is not the only country with strict anti-smoking laws. Ireland, Greece, Hungary, and Malta have already implemented similar restrictions. Last year, Costa Rica also banned smoking in all public places, including bars, restaurants, and bus stations. The general rule is that if you expose a stranger to secondhand smoke, you probably can't smoke there.

In many countries, even if smoking in public is legal, there are certain areas where you can be fined if you light up. Some cities like Barcelona have also banned smoking on beaches to prevent littering with cigarette butts. More than 100 of the 3514 beaches in the country, including those in Costa del Sol and the Balearic Islands, introduced a smoking ban on July 1 last year.

The popular French ski resort of Les Gets has also banned smoking in all communal areas to prevent cigarette butt pollution.

These measures reflect the growing global concern for public health and the environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) has long advocated for strict anti-smoking laws as part of its efforts to combat the global tobacco epidemic. According to the WHO, tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, with about 1.2 million deaths caused by non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke. This growing awareness and the consequent strict regulations mark a significant shift in public health policy worldwide.