Smoke-Free Paris Clears the Air

The hazy, brooding atmosphere of Parisian cafes and bars has changed overnight with a French ban on smoking in public places. Clouds of smoke from scores of Gauloises and Gitanes cigarettes, which once hung over France's most celebrated salons and dining rooms, have wafted away. Similar bans are already in force across Europe.

"Our objective isn't to annoy people, but to protect them," the French health minister said. "This is a new art of life supported by 80% of our citizens." Fines against smokers who break the law range from $100-$660, while noncompliant businesses face penalties of more than $1,000. "We prefer the ban," one brasserie owner said. "If they want to smoke they can go outside." (More France stories.)