Mexico completely bans smoking in all public places as tobacco-related deaths rise

Travellers have been warned of heavy fines and potential jail time after one nation introduced some of the strictest smoking laws in the world.

Young man smoking cigarette, inhaling toxic tabacco smoke, smoking kills, warning Picture: istock

Mexico has implemented one of the toughest anti-smoking laws in the world, banning smoking in public spaces such as hotels, beaches, parks and all other public spaces.

The law also prohibits businesses from promoting, advertising or sponsoring tobacco products, including putting them on display for sale.

This law expands a 2008 ban on smoking in bars, restaurants and workplaces and similar restrictions will be imposed on e-cigarettes and vaping.

According to the WHO’s Pan American Health Organization, smoking is the cause of over 10 per cent of deaths in Mexico, amounting to around 63,000 per year.

The law took effect on Sunday, January 15, with travellers warned to adhere to the nation’s strict new rules.

Tourists who smoke could face fines of up to 5,600 pesos (A$429) for lighting up in public, according to Reuters.

Those who refuse to cooperate with the law also face up to 36 hours in jail.

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Mexico has implemented one of the toughest anti-smoking laws in the world, banning smoking in public spaces.

The move has been praised by the WHO’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who tweeted “Bravo Mexico!” and called on other countries to follow suit.

Despite the support, not everyone in Mexico is happy with the law, with some calling it extreme and questioning its enforceability.

“This amendment represents a historic step forward for Mexico in its anti-smoking policies and reaffirms its role as one of the leaders in the fight against tobacco in the world,” Dr. Cristian Morales Fuhrimann, PAHO’s representative in Mexico, said in a statement.

The move has been praised by the WHO’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, tweeting ‘Bravo Mexico!’ and calling on other countries to follow suit.

According to the WHO’s Pan American Health Organization, smoking is the cause of over 10 per cent of deaths in Mexico, amounting to around 63,000 per year.

While some countries have taken a hard stance against smoking in public places, others have extended their restrictions to include electronic cigarettes and vapes.

In Colombia and Iran, vaping in public is outright illegal, and in Turkey, it is illegal to purchase e-cigarettes. Singapore has strict regulations in place and possession of an e-cigarette could result in a fine of $2,000.

Australia has implemented strict regulations and purchasing electronic cigarettes with nicotine officially requires a prescription, and fines and even prison sentences can be incurred for importing e-liquid with nicotine.

Argentina, Brazil and Nepal have gone even further and have banned e-cigarettes and vapes altogether. In Qatar, vaping has been prohibited since 2014 and those caught breaking the law can expect a fine of up to €2,467 (A$3801) or three months in prison.