Mexico has banned smoking in all public places and tourists caught contravening the law – which went into effect this week – could be fined up to US$300 and be jailed for up to 36 hours.

The new anti-smoking law is considered to be one of the strictest in the world, encompassing all public places, including hotels and beaches. Lighting up is only permitted in private homes and private outdoor areas.

Previously, the ban applied in the capital to public transport, bars, workplaces, and restaurants. Now smoking in bars and restaurants nationwide will only be permitted in separate rooms or on open-air terraces.

Sen. Ernesto Saro, president of the Mexican Senate health committee stated, “There must be well-defined, cut-off areas, so that non-smokers are not continually breathing in tobacco smoke and so that smokers can find a space where they are not sharing the same air.”

E-cigarettes and vaping are similarly subject to the new law, and tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship has also been snuffed out.

Mexico joins a growing list of newly smoke-free countries including the UK and others in Latin America.