Colombia struggles to enforce anti-smoking laws

In 2008, Colombia ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Almost 10 years later, in 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized the country's commitment to tobacco control, thereby highlighting the quality of its efforts. However, while these efforts deserve global recognition, their implementation has not necessarily been forthcoming. In reality, Colombia is struggling to ensure the proper enforcement of its anti-tobacco laws throughout the country..

Colombia, top student in smoking prevalence

In July 2009, Colombia promulgated law 1335 anti-smoking law aimed at protecting the health of minors. This law notably made it possible to establish a smoking ban throughout Colombia in all enclosed public spaces, such as bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, with the possibility of installing smoking rooms for smoking customers.

In figures, the smoking prevalence, which stands at 16% in Colombia, is slightly below the world average (20%) and even below the French prevalence (24%). In addition, the number of cigarettes consumed per capita per year is 359 in Colombia, while it stands at 2,353 in Belgium and 1,634 in Switzerland.

Although Colombia has a comprehensive and encouraging anti-tobacco law, there are still many obstacles in its implementation.

The proper application of legislative provisions is still hampered

Since 2011, all advertising and sponsorship by cigarette brands, through any means whatsoever, has been prohibited. Brands or their partners cannot sponsor cultural or sporting events. However, tobacco companies find ways to circumvent the laws to promote their products through street marketing.

Law 1335 also prohibits single-unit sales. Brands have adapted by offering half-packs. And street vendors continue to sell cigarettes individually.

In addition to being a public health issue, tobacco causes a real environmental problem in Bogota, the capital. Nearly 720 million cigarette butts are thrown into the streets each year, several million of which end up in the Atlantic Ocean. Some of these butts also end up in the waters of Bogota's wetlands. Mistaken for food, they are consumed by the animals living in this environment.