MIREILLE'S MUSINGS: Smoking in France

So far so good. The price increase last fall was considered not high enough to have an impact but coming after two previous ones it's adding up, and with the economy being what it is, some French people are decreasing consumption. So far 5.1% for the last 3 months of 2011. Not great but a good thing.

As for a clean Paris, a new measure (not sure how it can be implemented but it's time for some action) will take effect this summer: €35 fine if you are caught throwing your cigarette butt. It's a frightening 315 tons the cleaning people have to pick up each year. The pollution should stop, and too often smokers don't give a fig about the environment. Let's hope a fine will wake them up. Meanwhile, although French cinema is getting better and better at coming up with great stuff these days, there are still too many scenes with men and women holding a cigarette...how can the message get across that smoking is NOT cool. That is zee question, but at least there is some hope for a better 2012.