Argentina bans smoking nationwide

Congress passed a law yesterday that bans smoking in public places in Argentina nationwide, limits tobacco advertising and expands health warnings on cigarette packs. Implemented by the Department of Health, the new smoking law hopes to decrease the 40 thousand annual tobacco related deaths in the country. Congress is now discussing a law that would consider growing tobacco harmful, which would greatly affect tobacco farmers in Salta, Jujuy, Misiones and Corrientes who export 90% of their product. Highlights of the new law include:

• Advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products through any medium is prohibited

• An exception to the advertising rule is that marquees can advertise cigarettes as long as all images contain a warning saying smoking is harmful to the health

• Smoking is prohibited in and cigarettes cannot be sold in any schools, hospitals, offices, public buildings, transportation, museums, clubs, movie theaters or stadiums.

• Smoking is allowed in open areas like patios, terraces and balconies as long as it is not at a university

Read Article