If you thought Mexico’s drug war was only about illegal drugs like fentanyl or cocaine, you would be wrong.
The country’s war on nicotine has just dealt people who smoke cigarettes or vape a serious blow.
A law took effect on January 15 that imposes a total ban on smoking in all public places—you can now only smoke in your home or outdoors on private property. It simultaneously imposes tighter restrictions on nicotine vapes, which also cannot legally be used in public places.
There is also a total ban on the advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products. For shops that sell cigarettes, it is now against the law to openly display them.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus gushed about the new law on Twitter. “Bravo Mexico!” he said. “WHO welcomes such a bold move on tobacco control. We call on all countries to strengthen #NoTobacco policies and help us prevent 8 million deaths every year!”
Bans on smoking might be seen to have good intentions, like helping people quit. But what have bans on other drugs taught us? The reality is millions will not stop just because they can no longer light up in outdoor public spaces.
Helen Redmond – Filter – 2023-01-20.
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