France has made efforts to reduce smoking. There were taken such measures as increase in prices for tobacco, prohibition of smoking in public places etc. However, the problem is pressing. Prohibition had boomerang effect; the number of smokers has risen.
The government intends to take another step to struggle the addiction. In the short term, a new type of fine will be introduced in Paris. If someone throws a stub, he or she will be fined 35 euros.
In order to save Parisians’ money, about 10,000 special ashtrays made of cheap materials will be installed next to bin bags. Policemen will start to fine those who break the law on a day when the last ashtray is installed.
Francoise Danio, Paris deputy mayor, noted that municipal services collect 315 tons of trash left by smokers annually. One stub in the sewage system pollutes up to 6 litres of water. It biodegrades naturally from 5 to 10 years.
Neither tourists nor local residents appreciated the innovation. Parisians suggested that the city hall manage problems that are more serious, for example to remove dog excrements from city streets. The local residents consider preventive measures in contrast to punishment should be used to tackle the problem that occurs when stubs are thrown near the dustbins.
Despite citizens’ discontent, they have to obey the law. It should be noted that the fine is rather low as compared to the same type of fine in other countries, for example in Singapore. An individual who is caught casting stubs where it is prohibited is liable to a fine up to $1,000. It is 21 times bigger than in France.