Argentina: Coronel Pringles Bans Indoor Vaping: Fines Up to 2 Million Pesos

The Honorable Deliberative Council of Coronel Pringles is voting to approve an ordinance prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes and vaporizers in all enclosed spaces. Initiated by the Juntos and La Libertad Avanza coalition, the bill secured unanimous committee support before heading to the floor.

Councilwoman Rosana Amondarain stated that the measure addresses rising health concerns, particularly among adolescents. Local authorities aim to prevent secondhand vapor exposure, which poses health risks to bystanders in confined environments.

Under the new rules, compliance mirrors traditional smoking bans. Establishments must display clear warning signage, and business operators bear the legal responsibility for violations occurring on their premises.

“The responsibility and the fine fall on the business owner for permitting it,” Amondarain explained. In addition to financial penalties, municipal health departments will launch educational campaigns in local schools, and the municipal court can mandate community service for offenders.

The “Module” Fine System

To prevent high inflation from eroding the impact of financial penalties, the ordinance structures fines in “modules.” Each module is tied to the price of one liter of gasoline as determined by the Provincial Directorate of Road Safety, currently valued at $2,271 ARS.

Violation Type	Penalty in Modules	Current Value (ARS)	Additional Sanctions
General Indoor Vaping (Art. 7)	25 to 1,000 modules	$56,775 to $2,271,000	Up to 30 days of business closure
Sales to Minors under 18 (Art. 8)	100 to 1,000 modules	$227,100 to $2,271,000	Immediate business closure

Local officials expect the ordinance to pass smoothly following the unanimous committee vote. The regulation provides municipal inspectors with a clear framework to control a market that has expanded rapidly through informal and online sales channels.

Read more: Argentina: Bahía Blanca Bans Vaping in Public Spaces and Restricts Sales

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.