Drug users in French city of Rennes face 鈧�450 fine
People who smoke cannabis or take other illegal drugs in the French city of Rennes (Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany) will soon be faced with a 鈧�200 fine, rising to 鈧�450 in some cases, in a new trial to 鈥渁ttack demand鈥�.
The rule is in Rennes, as well as the towns of Reims, and Cr茅teil, from now until the end of the year, or by early 2020 at the latest.
Authorities in Rennes have said they see the fining scheme as a 鈥渢ool鈥� to increase 鈥渁ccountability among users and bring them face to face with their responsibilities鈥�.
The idea was first voted through by the Assembl茅e Nationale on November 23, 2018, and by public prosecutor Philippe Astruc, along with Rennes mayor Nathalie App茅r茅, and prefect, Mich猫le Kirry.
Anyone caught doing drugs - especially smoking cannabis, but also taking other drugs such as cocaine - will automatically be fined 鈧�200. The amount can be reduced to 鈧�150, or increased to as much as 鈧�450, depending on how quickly it is paid.
Offenders will also have a criminal record. Authorities are aiming for this new blanket rule to help ease the workload in local courts, which are 鈥渃rumbling鈥� under too many petty drugs cases, the city said. It will also help to 鈥渆nforce effective application of the law鈥�.
Public prosecutor Mr Astruc : 鈥淭he fight against drugs has so far essentially focused on supply. This tool will now allow us to attack demand, to [increase] accountability among users and bring them face to face with their responsibilities. Because it is the clients that fund these mafia-style businesses.鈥�
Smoking a cannabis cigarette or taking other drugs such as cocaine has always been illegal, but sanctions can vary in practice from department to department.
In some, offenders may receive a verbal warning only, but offenders elsewhere may be required to take a drug awareness course, or pay a large fine.
