Mexico Imposes One of the World’s Strictest Anti-Smoking Laws

Mexico has enacted one of the world’s harshest anti-tobacco laws, outlawing smoking in public locations such as hotels, beaches, and parks. The new rule, which is part of the country’s General Law for Tobacco Control overhaul, went into effect on Sunday, January 15, 2023, and will also prohibit tobacco product promotion, advertising, and sponsorship. The sale and use of e-cigarettes and vapes will also be restricted.

The new blanket ban builds on an existing federal and state tobacco control regulation that went into effect in 2008, prohibiting smoking in indoor locations such as pubs, restaurants, and workplaces.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has welcomed the move, with Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stating, “Bravo Mexico! WHO welcomes such a bold move on tobacco control. We call on all countries to strengthen No Tobacco policies and help us prevent 8 million deaths every year.”

The new anti-smoking law in Mexico is a big step forward in the battle against tobacco usage and its negative consequences on public health. The Pan American Health Organization congratulated the Mexican government for enacting the ban and welcomed the measure. According to the organization, tobacco smoking is the single most avoidable cause of mortality in the globe, accounting for almost a million deaths in the Americas each year, either from direct use or second-hand smoke exposure.