Mexico strengthens anti-smoking measures

The Mexican Senate unanimously approved[1] amendments to tobacco control legislation that include a total ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. They also prohibit smoking – including the use of e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products – in all public spaces[2], bringing Mexico's anti-smoking law into line with the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which Mexico ratified in 2004.

If the bill is approved and promulgated by the President of the Republic, Mexico would be the 24th country out of 35 in the Americas region to achieve completely tobacco- and smoke-free environments, as well as the ninth to obtain an absolute ban (either directly or indirectly, through any means of dissemination or communication) on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

Protective measures for the entire population

Civil society organizations celebrated the decision of the Senate of the Republic to approve the reform of tobacco control legislation after 13 years of lack of progress in public tobacco control policies in Mexico[3]. These amendments will contribute to reducing tobacco use and protecting the 130 million inhabitants from the consumption and exposure to second-hand smoke. Nearly 14 million Mexicans, or 17,000,000 of the population over the age of 15, regularly smoke tobacco (one in four men and one in 13 women). Approximately 51,500 Mexicans die each year from tobacco-related diseases, representing 10,000,000 of all deaths. Approximately 20,000,000 adults are exposed to second-hand smoke in their workplace.

Civil society actors also praised the Mexican Senate for resisting the very active lobby of the tobacco industry and its allies in drafting these amendments, saying it is an example to follow for future reforms.

Keywords: Mexico, CCLAT, tobacco control, advertising, passive smoking

©Generation Without Tobacco

AE