You are sometimes tempted to buy cigarettes sold on the street on the sly. Do you know that it is now punishable by a fine of €135 ? That is what is in an order in council in the House Official Journal of 20 December 2019.
Customers of pedestrian tobacco vendors can now be punished with a fourth-class ticket in the amount of €135.
If the payment is made within 15 days (30 days in the case of payment by teleprocedure), the fine shall be reduced to €90. If no payment is made within 45 days (60 days in the case of payment by teleprocedure), the amount may be up to €375.
This measure is intended to combat criminal smuggling networks whose trafficking generates violence and insecurity, but it is also intended to protect minors who are offered cigarettes on the street, as well as the activity of buralists.
FYI
Tobacco smuggling is fueled by both organized imports and local trafficking in border areas. In the first 9 months of 2019, Customs intercepted 282.7 tons, an increase of 78% in one year.