On December 16, 2022, the decree reforming, adding, and repealing various provisions of the Regulations of the General Law for Tobacco Control was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation.
The purpose of this regulation is to protect the population against exposure to tobacco smoke in any physical area with access to the public, to establish the guidelines to be observed by those responsible for smoke-free spaces, as well as to implement areas exclusively for smoking. These areas must be located only in open air spaces, in which it is prohibited to provide any service or food consumption, as well as to carry out social activities. Likewise, it seeks to protect personnel exposed to tobacco smoke and to promote actions to reduce consumption, morbidity and mortality caused by such consumption and exposure.
One of the most significant changes in this amendment is the distinction made between the terms "physical area with access to the public" and "open space", with the former referring to any space covered by a roof, with at least two walls, regardless of the material with which it was built and whether the structure is permanent or temporary; and the latter to that which has no roof, is not limited by a wall, regardless of the material and whether the structure is permanent or temporary. Finally, an enclosed space is understood as any space, whether public or private, that is totally or partially roofed between one or more walls, regardless of the material with which it was built, or whether the structure is temporary or permanent and that is a place accessible to the general public or of common use.
As of this regulation, at all entrances to 100 percent smoke-free spaces, administrators are required to post a sign stating: "It is prohibited to smoke, consume or have lit any tobacco or nicotine product". The entrances and the interior of such spaces must have signs indicating to people that it is a 100 percent smoke-free space, signs with warning legends about the non-compliance and the telephone number to file complaints.
For more information please visit the following link: https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5674791&fecha=16/12/2022#gsc.tab=0
