Chile''s Congress Passes Monumental Public Smoking Ban

Source from:  I Love Chile (cl)  01/06/2013

Step outside and take a deep breath What do you smell? Probably cigarette smoke. Hopefully not for much longer.

After a heated debate, the Chilean Chamber of Deputies approved an impressive law that bans smoking in enclosed public spaces, including bars, restaurants, clubs, casinos and stadiums.

The law clearly lays out where smoking will and will not be allowed.  Cigarettes are only permitted in open air spaces where the smoke can escape and not bother others (open terraces, patios, etc).  Even clubs and restaurants with indoor smoking sections will be prohibited.

The idea is to reduce the number of smokers and people involuntarily affected by secondhand smoke – aka everybody walking down the street, eating in a restaurant or entering a club.  Chile, being the biggest consumer of cigarettes in the Americas, suffers 46 tobacco related deaths every day.

To non-smokers and foreigners not used to the intrusive tobacco cloud that suffocates Santiago's pubs, restaurants and clubs, this is exceptional news. However, avid smokers will have to deal with the change or face a fine of up to CL$80,000 (and double for a repeat offense).

"Bad, bad, bad, bad," commented Marcelo, a Chilean businessman who enjoys his daily smoke and cup of coffee at his favorite café… a privilege he will soon loose.

"What non-smokers don't realize is that smog, smoke from the buses, and pollution are worse for their lungs than second hand smoke," he continued. "I've smoked two packs a day for as long as I can remember. I recently went to get a check-up and the doctor couldn't believe how healthy my lungs are. It's all propaganda!"

On the other hand, Daniel Brewington, CEO of I Love Chile, feels that laws such as this one, though good in nature, are not the reasons for someone to quit.

"After 20 years of smoking, it wasn't until I had kids that I quit.  It became personal, and more than just about me. Graphic images, statistics and bans on smoking only go so far."

No matter where you stand on this issue, after March it will certainly be more pleasant to enjoy an empanada or a glass of wine at your favorite restaurant without stinky cigarette smoke clouding your senses. Enditem