Montevideo, Uruguay – A new bill proposed by Uruguayan Deputy Álvaro Dastugue aims to significantly expand smoke-free zones across the country, potentially prohibiting smoking and vaping in public parks with children’s play areas and at bus stops. The proposal, currently before the Chamber of Representatives’ Public Health and Social Assistance Commission, is driven by a desire to protect the population from involuntary exposure to smoke and aerosols.
The bill explicitly targets “the involuntary exposure of the population to smoke and aerosols derived from the consumption of tobacco products, marijuana, and electronic vaping devices” in specific open public spaces. According to reporting by Montevideo Portal, the legislation seeks to ban “smoking, vaporizing, or keeping lit tobacco products, cigars, marijuana, or electronic devices emitting vapors” in two key areas:
- Parks and Playgrounds: The ban would encompass plazas, parks, and public spaces equipped with children’s play areas, recreational zones for children, or any similar play equipment.
- Bus Stops and Surrounding Areas: The legislation extends to bus stops, shelters for public transportation passengers, waiting areas for public transport, and a radius of at least 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) around these locations.
Deputy Dastugue emphasized the public health rationale behind the bill, stating the goal is to “protect the population from involuntary exposure to smoke.”
While the bill doesn’t specify penalty amounts, it outlines a system of warnings or fines based on the severity of the infraction, with specific criteria and amounts to be determined by future regulations.
Implications for the Vape Industry:
This proposed legislation, if passed, represents another potential restriction on vaping access and public use in Uruguay. While the bill doesn’t specifically target the vape industry, it directly impacts where consumers can legally utilize electronic cigarettes. This move aligns with a broader global trend of increasing regulation surrounding vaping, often framed as a public health measure. Vape Observation will continue to monitor the progress of this bill and provide updates on its potential impact on the Uruguayan vape market. The industry will likely be watching closely to see if further restrictions are forthcoming.
