Presidenta Signs Ley Antitabaco

In a public ceremony, presidenta Laura Chinchila on Thursday signed the Ley Antitabaco, prohibiting smoking in public places, following the green light from the Constitutional Court on Tuesday.

The next step is the publication of the law in the La Gaceta and the development of regulations governing the prohibition by the Ministerio de Salud (Health Ministry).

The law, that is expected to go into effect in three months, will ban smoking in bars, restaurants, clubs, workplaces, bus stops, taxi stands, trains and many other public spaces, both open and closed, and add a tax of ¢20 colones to each cigarette.

The law also prohibits the sale of cigarettes in less than a full pack, like a single cigarette that is common in downtown San José or in some bars.

The fine for violation of the smoking law is ¢36.000 for the general public and more tha 5 times than for companies who sell, distribute or manufacture cigarettes and do not adhere to the strict laws on advertising and promotion of tobacco products.

The ban does not affect the use and sale of electronic cigarettes.

The presidenta and government officials are aware that the law cannot cover 100% of offenders. However, the ministry of Health will be hiring more inspectors and use the renewal of health permits and municipal licenses to enforce the law.