Quito, Ecuador: Law Passes Ban Smoking in Enclosed Public Spaces

ElComercio.com reports that the National Assembly in Quito approved the Law for Control and Regulation of Tobacco passed with 111 votes. The new legislation bans smoking in enclosed public spaces including restaurants, workplaces, public transportation or sports centers. Fines and other penalties will be issued when the law is broken. The law also prohibits smoking in government agencies, medical buildings and educational buildings that are visited by children and adolescents. Also, the law prohibits the sale of cigarettes to people under 18 years old. It also bans the advertisement of tobacco products and sets these fines between USD 265 and 1,320. The state will be able to present measures to prevent, detect and treat smoking addiction, states the legislation. The bill waits presidential approval.Read Article