Mobissimo

Joining the scores of other cities which are banning smoking in public places, France is starting an initiative to do just that.

PARIS - The days of cigarette-friendly France are about to go up in smoke.

The prime minister announced Sunday that a ban on smoking in schools, offices and other public buildings will start in February, while restaurants, dance clubs and some bars have until 2008 to comply.

"I am convinced the French people are now ready," said Dominique de Villepin, joining Ireland, Spain, Britain and Italy which have adopted similar measures. "The issue is ripe in our country, given the experiences that we know of elsewhere."

Amazing really. I cannot imagine an image of a French person without a Gitane hanging from his/her lips. The impregnated stench of smoke in an not-washed-in-two years tattered pea coat will be a thing of the past? My good French friends would use cigarette smoke to mask the not showering for days odour so Gallic in nature. My suggestion? Buy shares in any soap or deodorant that is distributed in France. Mark my words, soon, without the Eau de Smokeur, showering will no longer be optional.