Monitoring Desk
MEXICO CITY: Mexico has imposed one of the toughest smoking laws in the world, enforcing a complete ban on smoking in public places, including beaches, hotels, and parks.
The new law came into force on Sunday, which will also see a complete ban on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products.
The use and sale of e-cigarettes and vapes are also likely to face new restrictions.
The new ban extends an existing state and federal tobacco control law that came into force in 2008, banning smoking in bars, workplaces, and restaurants.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed and appreciated the law on Twitter.
Anti-smoking law in Mexico
He said that WHO welcomes such a bold step in tobacco control. All countries should strengthen tobacco-free policies to prevent eight million deaths each year.
About 16 percent of adults in the country are tobacco smokers, and tobacco use causes nearly 1 million deaths in the Americas each year. Bolivia and Chile have the highest smoking rates in the region, at 40 percent and 38.7 percent.
About 16% of adults in Mexico are tobacco smokers, and tobacco use causes nearly one million deaths in the Americas each year. Bolivia and Chile have the highest smoking rates in the region, at 40% and 38.7% respectively.
