Anti-Smoking Sanctions Signed By Presidenta

Though the "ley de control de tabaco" - anti-smoking law - went into effect a few months ago, it wasn't until yesterday (Tuesday) that the sanctions were approved and can soon be applied.



The Ministerio de Salud (Health Ministry) has bee working in the last months to create the "reglamento' (regulations) that define the fines for individuals and businesses who violate the smoking ban.

The document was signed, as had been expected, on Tuesday by Presidenta Laura Chinchilla and now only requires its publication in La Gaceta, which is expected within five business days.

The regulations put the bite in the law, so to speak, fining individuals who insist on smoking in public areas, that includes restaurants, malls, parking lots, parks, schools, bus stops and even the work place, ¢36.000 colones.

For business violating the regulations, that is allowing smoking on their premises and not taking the required steps to stop it, including the posting of signs prohibiting smoking, a fine of up to ¢3.6 million colones.

The fines also apply to manufacturers, distributors, sellers of tobacco products and media advertising,