Smoking in France a thing of the past?

[innerSpaceman]

Perhaps in a nation where smoking is so prevalent, the health consequences have become more pronounced. Economics aside, I can't see how you can argue that smoking should be allowed in public places where non-smokers are permitted to be.

The hermetically-sealed environments are the way to go. All other smoking directly affects the health of others. I don't see why there should be a "freedom" to make other people sick via one's personal drug habits.