Mexico Senate Approves Stricter Tobacco Control Law, Expanding Smoke-Free Zones
The Mexican Senate has approved reforms to the General Law for Tobacco Control with 97 votes in favor, aiming to significantly strengthen anti-smoking measures across the country. The initiative, now passed to the Federal Executive for promulgation, will prohibit all forms of tobacco product advertising, sponsorship, and promotion, both direct and indirect. It also bans incentives encouraging tobacco purchases, including promotional items displaying tobacco brand names or logos.
A key aspect of the reform is the expansion of smoke-free spaces. Workplaces, public and private buildings, sports centers, stadiums, and parks are now defined as smoke-free zones. For public transport, this includes urban furniture, terminals, stops, and stations. Notably, the current reform does not explicitly include electronic cigarettes and vapes in these specific new restrictions, focusing on traditional tobacco products.
Owners or administrators of the affected public spaces will have 60 days following the decree’s publication to designate exclusive outdoor smoking areas. The law also establishes a telephone line for citizens to report non-compliance. The primary goal is to improve quality of life and protect public health by reducing tobacco consumption.
- News source: Nueva reforma a la Ley General para el Control Tabaco
- DECRETO por el que se Reforman, Adicionan y Derogan diversas disposiciones del Reglamento de la Ley General para el Control del Tabaco.
