DKI DPRD Special Committee Proposes Including E-cigarettes Alongside Tobacco
The Jakarta Provincial Government and the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD DKI Jakarta) are planning to update the city’s regulations on Smoke-Free Areas (KTR) this year, with a key proposal to explicitly include electronic cigarettes (vapes) alongside traditional tobacco cigarettes.
Read moreOfficials Claim Provincial Government Ignores 2019 Law
Council members in Tucumán, Argentina, have strongly criticized the provincial government for failing to enforce an existing law that prohibits the use of electronic cigarettes (vapes) in enclosed public spaces. Councilors José María Canelada and Gustavo Cobos argue the issue isn’t a lack of regulation, but a lack of action from the Executive Branch.
Read moreHong Kong authorities have unveiled a new tobacco control bill proposing significant measures to curb smoking and vaping, aiming to strengthen public health protections.
Read moreThe city of Limeira, located in the interior of São Paulo, has become the first in Brazil to implement a law restricting the use of electronic cigarettes in public spaces. The new legislation, which also prohibits the sale and consumption of these devices by minors under the age of 18, aims to protect the health of citizens and prevent young people from starting to consume nicotine products.
The law, approved by the City Council and sanctioned by the city government, will come into effect in 30 days, allowing residents and commercial establishments to adapt to the new rules. This pioneering initiative could serve as a model for other Brazilian cities seeking to regulate the use of electronic cigarettes and protect public health.
The measure seeks to safeguard the population, especially young people, from the potential harm caused by electronic cigarettes. By banning the use of these devices in public places, Limeira aims to ensure a healthier environment free from harmful substances. The expectation is that the law will contribute to reducing the consumption of these devices and raising awareness about their risks.
Councilman Nilton César dos Santos (Republicans) initially proposed the legislation, which was subsequently approved by the City Council and the City Hall. The anti-smoking law already prohibits this type of consumption, and this new law reinforces that stance.
Limeira’s legislation prohibits the use of vapes and similar products by minors under 18 years of age and restricts consumption in all public places in the city, whether open or closed. The ban also extends to private establishments for collective use, such as bars, restaurants, and cinemas.
The law specifies several locations where the use of e-cigarettes will be prohibited, including:
This comprehensive scope aims to ensure that the restriction is effective and that the population is protected from exposure to these products.
Establishments that fail to comply with the law will face notifications and penalties, the amounts of which will be defined by decree. Those responsible for the establishments must also:
The city government of Limeira will be responsible for monitoring compliance with the law and applying the sanctions provided for in the event of non-compliance. The effectiveness of the law will depend on the collaboration of the population and the engagement of commercial establishments in promoting awareness and compliance with the rules.
Although Limeira is the first city to implement a specific law against e-cigarettes, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has already banned the sale of these products throughout the country. Anvisa also updated the ruling to reinforce the ban on the manufacture, import, sale, distribution, storage, transportation, and advertising of e-cigarettes in Brazil.
The “anti-smoking law,” passed in 1996, also prohibits smoking in closed public spaces. Limeira’s legislation complements this law, making monitoring more rigorous at the municipal level. The measure could serve as inspiration for other cities that want to strengthen control over the use of electronic cigarettes and protect the health of their citizens.
The ban on electronic cigarettes in Brazil is justified by the lack of quality control and oversight of these products, as well as their growing popularity, especially among young people. Studies indicate that electronic cigarettes can be even more harmful to health than traditional cigarettes, due to the high frequency of use and the potential harm caused to minors.
Limeira’s decision to ban e-cigarettes in public places and for people under 18 represents a significant step forward in protecting public health. This measure, in line with Anvisa regulations, seeks to reduce the consumption of these devices and their potential harm, especially among young people.
As the first Brazilian city to take such a bold stand, Limeira’s pioneering initiative could inspire other cities to adopt similar measures, paving the way for a healthier future for all. By prioritizing the well-being of its citizens and taking proactive steps to address the risks associated with e-cigarettes, Limeira has set a powerful example for the rest of the country to follow.
Hong Kong is set to enforce a ban on the possession and use of e-cigarettes in public spaces as early as mid-2026. This move comes as part of the government’s broader strategy to protect youth and further reduce smoking rates across the city.
Read moreThe City of Vincent, an inner-city council located just 3km from Perth’s CBD, is contemplating the expansion of smoke-free zones as a response to the worrying increase in vape popularity. The council, which banned smoking in five town centres in late 2022, now considers vaping to be more prevalent than traditional cigarette smoking.
Read moreMinistry of Health Plans to Propose Ban on E-Cigarette Use from Residential Building Windows and Other Public Areas
Latvia may introduce more stringent rules on the use of electronic smoking devices in public places, following new recommendations adopted by the European Union (EU). The Ministry of Health plans to propose further restrictions, including a ban on using e-cigarettes from the windows of residential buildings, according to a report by Latvian Radio on December 10.
Read moreAs the Mexican government takes steps to regulate vaping products, users may face severe consequences for smoking in public places or selling these devices without authorization. Although marketed as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, research has shown that vaping can pose serious health risks, particularly to the lungs.
Read moreAlabama lawmakers are pushing to ban e-cigarettes and vapes from public places, similar to existing restrictions on cigarette smoking. House Bill 10, sponsored by state representative Barbara Drummond of Mobile, seeks to add electronic cigarettes to the list of items banned under the state’s 21-year-old Clean Air Act. If passed, Alabama could join a minority of states that have included e-cigarettes in their comprehensive smoking bans. Read more
Mexico has implemented one of the world’s toughest anti-tobacco laws, banning smoking in all public spaces and prohibiting tobacco advertising. The legislation, initially approved in 2021, extends the country’s 2008 smoke-free laws to include parks, beaches, hotels, offices, and restaurants. It also introduces a total ban on the display, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products, including in retail stores.
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