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World No Tobacco Day: Those Countries Where Bans Are Strongest

Features 2 min read

On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, Expat.com looks back on those countries that have the strictest bans on tobacco.  

Uruguay

Although Uruguay has just legalized the use of cannabis, it is not ready to reconsider its position on tobacco. Indeed, in 2006, the government of this country issued a law prohibiting smoking in public places. Although in their homes, people can still enjoy a cigarette, there are aggressive campaigns in this country against tobacco and especially against smoking in front of children. In addition, advertising for tobacco is prohibited and a law also requires tobacco packages to be completely neutral. A study conducted before and after bans found that there has been a decrease in the number of heart attacks recorded.

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Costa Rica

It is forbidden to smoke in public places in Costa Rica. In addition, in the country all forms of advertising for tobacco is prohibited and the sale of packages of less than 20 cigarettes is also prohibited. The tobacco tax is also very strong. If the country still had a fairly prominent cigarette culture, the observed compliance rate is relatively high.

Colombia

In Colombia, smoking is prohibited in public: in hospitals, universities, offices, restaurants, pubs, as well as in public transport. In addition, there is a tax of 35.72% on tobacco in Colombia and advertising for cigarettes is also prohibited. Only 30% of a pack of cigarettes can be covered in design in Colombia.

Malaysia

Public smoking is not completely banned in Malaysia. However, there are many laws that aim to deter smoking. For example, the tobacco tax is 47.06% in Malaysia. Advertisements are also prohibited.

Bhutan

Bhutan is the only country in the world to ban the sale of cigarette production and was also the first country in 2004 to ban smoking in public places.

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Anne-Lise Mty
About the author

Anne-Lise studied Psychology for 4 years in the UK before finding her way back to Mauritius and being a journalist for 3 years and heading Expat.com's editorial department for 5. She loves politics, books, tea, running, swimming, hiking...

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