Mexico is officially putting its proverbial foot down by banning smoking in all public spaces, including beaches, outdoor terraces and more. Meanwhile, the Mexican Senate approved the ban in December 2021, but is has now come into effect.

Mexico launches major smoking ban

Mexico has now expanded its 2008 anti-smoking law to stop the practice in all public spaces throughout the country. While previously it affected only indoor public spaces, the newly enacted law bans the habit in all outdoor public spaces including the following:

• Beaches
• All hotels and resorts
• Public parks
• Outdoor bars and restaurants

Moreover, the country has banned the advertisement of tobacco products and sponsorships by tobacco companies. Meanwhile, tobacco products can no longer be displayed or promoted inside shops where they are sold in Mexico.

Where can you smoke?

If the smoking ban doesn’t make you drop the habit, the only legal places to smoke tobacco are in private outdoor spaces and in private homes.

How will the ban be enforced?

Reportedly, an estimated 15 million Mexicans smoke tobacco and along with any tourists who smoke, they will face fines if caught lighting up in public. ABC reports that smokers who violate the law are subject to fines of between $50 and $300. Moreover, any smokers who refuse to cooperate could face up to 36 hours behind bars. On top of this, any businesses such as bars or restaurants that allow smoking in their establishments can face fines of up to $46,000.

Meanwhile, concerns are that the smoking ban will be difficult to enforce and is prone to abuse by authorities willing to accept bribes for looking the other way.

What about vaping and e-cigarettes?

Many smokers take to vaping as an alternative to cigarettes. However, in the summer of 2022, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador took a harsh stand against alternative tobacco products. In fact, a ban was put in place on the import and sale of all e-cigarettes and vaping devices. Moreover, Mexican officials cited negative health issues and harmful promotion to young people as the reason for the ban.

Now, the vaping ban, together with the latest measures, means that vape devices and electronic cigarettes are banned from being imported, used, or sold in any public place in the country.

Building on previous laws

Mexico took its first steps towards a smoking ban in 2008 when a law was put in place intended to reduce smoking indoors and in workplaces. This officially banned smoking in restaurants, bars, schools, and on public transportation.

Moreover, the 2008 law increased the detail of warnings to be printed on cigarette packages. Besides the warning in print, graphic images are used to reveal the damage smoking causes users. Moreover, any shop caught selling tobacco products to children can be shut down. On top of this, sales of single cigarettes were banned, meaning users had to buy a whole pack.

Meanwhile, the new tobacco and smoking bans in Mexico have been welcomed by health advocates around the world. Meanwhile, Cristian Morales, former PAHO/WHO representative for Mexico, made a statement, reading:

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. 

Smokers, you have been warned. If traveling to Mexico, rather leave the cigarettes behind.