Mexico tightens its prohibition on smoking in public areas.
The measure, which was first adopted in 2021, also prohibits cigarette advertising.
Several other Latin American countries have also approved legislation to make public venues smoke-free.
However, Mexico's legislation is widely regarded as the most robust and comprehensive in the Americas.
It equates to one of the world's strictest anti-smoking policies. Mexico's current 2008 law, which established smoke-free zones in bars, restaurants, and workplaces, has now been expanded to include an outright prohibition in all public areas. Parks, beaches, hotels, offices, and restaurants are all included.
Tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship will also be prohibited, which means that cigarettes will not be allowed to be displayed inside stores.
Vapes and e-cigarettes face additional limitations as well, particularly indoors.
How has the smoking ban affected the United Kingdom?
Thailand prohibits smoking on its tourist beaches.
Smoking is prohibited on balconies in Russia.
The Pan American Health Organization congratulated the Mexican government for enacting the ban and welcomed the measure.
According to the organization, tobacco smoking is the single most preventable cause of mortality in the globe, accounting for almost a million deaths in the Americas each year, either from direct use or second-hand smoke exposure.
However, some smokers are outraged by the new law's harshness.
In essence, this means that many people will be able to smoke only in their own homes or other private properties.
Others have raised concerns regarding the legality of enforcing the law.
With police corruption so prevalent in Mexico, many fear that instead of imposing actual fines or punishments for smoking in public, some officers may use it as an excuse to accept bribes.
No comments