Smoking in Mexico Is Now a Punishable Offense—Find Out Where Else You Can’t Light Up

Mexico recently banned smoking in all public spaces. Initially, the smoking ban was only restricted to bars, workplaces, public transportation, and restaurants. However, from January 15th, the government extended the law to all outdoor and indoor public areas. These include resorts, hotels, beaches, parks, and anywhere children might use for gathering.

Per EuroNews, that leaves private homes or private outdoor spaces as the only legal place smoking tobacco is allowed in Mexico. Mexico is now a country with one of the world's most severe anti-tobacco laws.

According to Reuters, tourists who smoke in public could be fined between $50 and $300. Also, those who refuse to comply with the ban could be jailed for 36 hours. Electronic cigarettes and vapes cannot be imported, used, or sold in Mexico. 

Cigarette butt lighting is not the only thing banned in some countries. Some countries also have strict laws for vaping and electronic cigarettes. In Colombia and Iran, vaping in public spaces is illegal. In Turkey, purchasing an e-cigarette is illegal. In Singapore, you could be fined $2,000 for owning an e-cigarette. In Australia, a prescription is required for the possession of e-cigarettes with nicotine. Without the prescription, the person would face a huge fine.

In some states, prison sentences are given for importing electronic liquids with nicotine. In Thailand, tourists who use e-cigarettes could be fined 30,000 baht ($904) or face 10 years in prison. Qatar banned vaping in 2014 and not adhering to the law could lead to three months in prison or a $2,600 fine. 

In December 2012, Australia removed labels from cigarette packages. The law was given by Australia's highest court. The cigarette packaging was to be replaced with a standard olive-colored design with health warnings.

At that time, tobacco companies argued the change would violate their intellectual property rights and destroy their brand's value. Also, it would bring about a global precedent and could end up cutting billions of dollars from their brand's value.

However, the government hoped the new packaging would make smoking less alluring. They also said the law was a win for those who lost someone they loved to an illness related to tobacco. About 600,000 people die every year from exposure to second-hand smoke according to the World Health Organization. 

Bhutan was the first nation to ban the sale of tobacco and public smoking in 2004. In June 2020, they banned the sales or smuggling of tobacco into the nation. Those found guilty could serve three to five years in prison without a chance of bail.

In 2012, Costa Rica prohibited smoking in buses, trainers, taxis, bars, workplaces, enclosed public access buildings, and casinos. In 2009, Columbia included indoor workplaces and public places in their ban. In March 2004, Uruguay became the first Latin American Country to ban smoking in public places. Malaysia also banned smoking in airports, public toilets, and hospitals.