Anti-Smoking Law Soon to Become a Reality

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Puerto Vallarta, Jal.- The regulations for the application of the anti-smoking law in Puerto Vallarta is a step away to enter into effect, informed María Candelaria Villanueva Sánchez, City counselor and head of the Health Committee.

Villanueva Sanchez explained that the regulations were discussed at the last meeting. Some corrections and observations, considered relevant, were made. Regulations are ready to go in such a way that they expect the Health Committee to approve it at the next meeting, and then submitted to Town Hall officials for its final approval.

"It is a100 percent done, it only needs to be approved. All the articles from 8 to 30 have already been written, discussed and corrected; all we are waiting is for them to meet and approve it".

As for the possibility of any more changes, yes, it is possible. Some of the aldermen were not present at the meeting where the law was discussed. We did send a copy to them, but at the time of the approval, if they think some changes need to be done, they are in the position of making those changes. Their ideas should be taken into account.

With respect to the restrictions of this regulation and the question of whether there will be fines for those who do not respect it, Villanueva Sanchez said that economic sanctions “are the core part, that’s what is going to hurt those who do not respect the regulation. We need to remember that health is for all of us and everyone should take care of it".

She explained that subpoenas will come first, then fines; but in the case of recidivism, greater sanctions will be applied. In addition, smokers who do not abide by the rules and procedure will run the risk to be removed from the area where they are breaking the law.

In this context, Villanueva Sánchez said that, it is considered that this is the only way to gradually change the culture of smoking in spaces shared with non-smokers, taking into consideration that, at the end, they, the non-smoker, are the ones that most suffer the consequences.

Finally, concerning whether it is believed that this can affect the economy of establishments, which restrict the consumption of tobacco in their places, she noted, "at the beginning there will be discomfort, but I think it is good for everyone in general. Businesses eventually will set up areas for their clients. She insisted that is the only way to change the culture and to improve everyone’s health".

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