Sarreguemines: A decree to move towards zero smoking in the city

Since a decree of June 27, smoking has been banned in several public places, including parks and gardens and around schools. In Sarreguemines, this is part of the town hall's desire to move towards zero smoking. Official signage has not yet been received during this month of July, but the decree is already well in place in the streets of Sarreguemines . This is what health councilor Christine Carafa assures.

According to her, it helps raise awareness among younger people: "The goal is to protect children because you shouldn't smoke within ten meters of them. This is a good thing because 90% of smokers started before the age of 18!" Ultimately, the goal is to change smokers' behavior. "It shows minors the risks; some start smoking at eleven. There are other places to smoke than in front of a school!"

These bans are not new in the city of Sarreguemines. The health official states: "Since 2021, we have implemented smoke-free areas , prohibiting Sarreguemines residents from smoking in places designated as such." Across the municipality, 69 parks, gardens, and other spaces were affected.

These spaces are now included in the new decree of June 27: "Now, there are nearly double the number of spaces that are excluded from smoking. This makes it possible to limit the visibility of smokers to younger people." And, the expansion of this ban gives Christine Carafa the right to plan ahead. "The ultimate goal is to achieve a tobacco-free generation in Sarreguemines. Since the 2021 measure, we see slightly fewer smokers on the streets."

In addition to combating the harmful effects of tobacco on children, she sees this as another reason to move towards zero tobacco. "Every year in France, 20,000 tons of cigarette butts are thrown away, that's enormous!" The Cité de la Faïence is affected by this pollution . "We include it in the work of our municipal agents," she laments.

For the time being, electronic cigarettes are not affected by this ban.