February in Paris is not all that bad especially now that you will not be having French (strong) tobacco ruining your meals as no French person has EVER asked if he/she may smoke next to you & during the serving of your meal. You will also find the Cafes/Tabacs cleaner as the bars never had ash trays & papers, butts, whatever was thrown on the floor & not swept up often. The odor upon entering a cafe, a mix of espresso coffee & the various tobaccos may be missed however, it was somehow welcoming.

Posted By lucille Humair on January 2, 2008, 11:48 AM

Why do we have to regulate the world? If you do not like what they are doing don't go there.

Posted By G O'Brien on January 3, 2008, 1:21 PM

Smoking bans have a HUGE effect on my choice of travel. I am lucky to live in a non-smoking state, and hate going into smoky restaurants and public places. Ireland and France are very smart--now to get more European countries to realize the added value in better health for citizens, better dining experiences, and more tourists.

Posted By Nancy Johnson on January 3, 2008, 1:36 PM

The no smoking does have an effect on my travel. I am allergic to smoke, it kicks up my asthma, so I can't visit or be in places where people are allowed to smoke. Now I will be able to go to places I couldn't before!

Posted By Lisa Hiland on January 3, 2008, 1:45 PM

I've been to Paris and being a non smoker I can really appreciate the new laws and it makes me want to go back. I've always hated smokers lighting up before I was done with my meal. About time you got on board France.

Posted By Sheila Wilmouth on January 3, 2008, 1:46 PM

Whenever I start into a cafe, pub or restaurant, if I am greeted by loud music, other excessive noise, or a cloud of smoke, I turn around and walk away. Yes, a non-smoking rule matters to me.

Posted By Thirza Sloan on January 3, 2008, 2:02 PM

Smoke-free is the way to go! It's healthier for everyone. I prefer smoke-free states and countries. Way to go France!

Posted By Stacy H on January 3, 2008, 2:16 PM

I have just quite smoking 4 months ago, not by choice.
I did not have a trace of cancer so smoking is not always the course. I will not sayanything to people that smokes it is their choice.

There are lot of places people can go to end enjoy them selves you just have to look for them.

Posted By Ann on January 3, 2008, 2:39 PM

As a militant non-smoker I will visit Paris more now. As an asthmatic I appreciate this greatly and it has been proven here in USA that non-smoking improves the business over all after the initial shock.

I heard that in Vienna that local mothers with young children like to go to Starbucks because it is the only coffee shops that don't allow children. They not only want their lungs to survive, but their children as well.

Viva la France!

Posted By Jim Grover on January 3, 2008, 2:51 PM

Smoking bans are good news anywhere. But, if the French ignore them as they do in train stations, it's a wasted effort.

Posted By Patsy on January 3, 2008, 3:18 PM

I agree with the last writer. They don't observe the no smoking at train stations so why should they in restaurants. The French aren't the best at enforcing the rules...think of all the dog poo that you stepped on while walking a French street. Yes, they even ban that and fine you but no one gets fined...it will be interesting to see if it is actually enforced.

Posted By Karen Boblett on January 3, 2008, 6:22 PM

I am so happy about France banning smoking most places - We are going to Paris in April and that was one of my most important concerns - cigarette smoke gives me asthma and I hate it. We have no smoking in New Jersey and it is wonderful . Smokers need to be aware of the problems that they cause other people.

Posted By Doris Allen on January 3, 2008, 7:57 PM

I am so tired of self-righteous crusaders. Where was your aversion to smoke, your asthma, your allergies all these years? Pulease, do me a favor and just don't bother the rest of us. Even if I weren't a smoker, I'd be awfully sick of the rants. How about getting excited about the raucous drinking and bad behavior Americans are famous for? We really don't have the power to tell the rest of the world what to do any more.

Posted By Maria Murad on January 3, 2008, 9:56 PM

I wish they would also ban dogs in restaurants, trains and everywhere else.The smell of smoke plusMadames best friend being fed tit bits under the table next to mine - non non non.

Posted By trish on January 3, 2008, 10:10 PM

I am a smoker but I live in Maine and there are no smoking in a lot of public places and I love it. You can't take your animals into public stores unless they are a working animal. They talk about smoking but what about perfume. Some are very strong and that can set off asthma too. At first it may be hard for smokers to go to some places but after you get use to the rules you start to enjoy the smoke free places. Plus you may cut down on your smoking. In one city it is against the law to smoke in the car with kids in the vehicle. As far as I am corncerned - It is a win win situation. Good luck with this.

Posted By Peggy on January 4, 2008, 11:07 AM

I've been to Paris several times and don't mind the smoke too much, but I am very glad it is gone-at least in restaurants. And I'll save on "Febreze" costs, also. Pat Layton UT

Posted By Patricia Martinez on January 5, 2008, 10:23 PM

I'm NOT a smoker. Nonetheless I do not thing any government (mine included) has the right to tell me what I can and cannot do. If I own a bar, and I paid for it, and it is my property, it should be my choice whether or not to allow smoking on my property. Besides, no one ever killed someone driving while smoking...therefore, should we ban booze too? Ridiculous.

Posted By Deborah on January 10, 2008, 12:40 PM

Way to go Paris! This will fuel my fire to visit again. I was there once and loved it, I went again to Normandy and loved that.

Posted By Boyd Berrett on January 10, 2008, 12:48 PM

so why don't we just outlaw tobacco already if it seems to be such a big problem...what's next liquor, coffee, candy, gum, etc...OH Brother, what a world! meanwhile McDonalds food will kill ya, coke/coca-cola is a bad thing! I give up!

Posted By Ron on January 10, 2008, 2:59 PM

I never smoked cigars, but I miss the smell in trains and hotels. I do smoke cigarettes, have for fifty years, and fail to see why restaurants and bars can't let their patrons decide about smoking or non.I do get tired of the righteous tirades. Nobody seems to worry about the air pollution that gives kids asthma even in the absence of cigarette smoke. Smoke-free a fad just like Prohibition.I rarely have desserts in restaurants anymore. I'd rather go for a walk and a cigarette.

Posted By Lucy Jefferson on January 11, 2008, 12:18 PM

Absolutely!! I could hardly breathe in a place near Notre Dame. About 39 men were smoking. I would not have even gone in had I not been meeting someone. It is the best thing to happen to me in my 30 years of traveling.

Posted By Joan Lorman on January 11, 2008, 2:51 PM

tres intelligent Paris ! Tres bien!
It's about time. I avoid places with cigarette smoke.

I was in Paris in october, the city, museums, people, food were wonderful & magnificent...but the smoking in cafes, etc, was HORRIBLE. My partner & I don't smoke, and we smelled like ashtrays after leaving restaurants.

I really dont care if someone else wants to smoke, that's their choice to inhale the carcinogenic toxic fumes, and slowly kill themselves, but dont force ME to breathe that crap. Smokers frequently think their rights override that of non-smokers.
Smoking is an ADDICTION, not a right.

I applaud the french govt for being bold and smart in trying to help thier citizens live longer, healthier lives, and will definitely go back.

Posted By Mike on January 12, 2008, 7:44 AM