Things just got a little more inconvenient for smokers.
Effective immediately, Puerto Morelos along with the entire country of Mexico, has new smoking laws.
Beaches (yes beaches), resorts, restaurants, bars… ALL public spaces are now smoke-free. YES, ALL PUBLIC SPACES.
Basically, the only places you can smoke are in your home (some vacation rentals may allow this) or your yard. And if you are a tourist staying at a resort or hotel, chances are they are smoke-free as well. Hotels will no longer offer smoking rooms and you are not permitted to smoke on your hotel balcony. Also in some cases, you cannot smoke in your own car. For a deep dive into this, read here.
One of the first comments we heard after this law went into effect from tourists was, “Oh, I know Juan, he owns the bar, he will let me smoke there….” No, no he won’t. Juan can’t even smoke at his own bar. And if Juan does let you smoke in his bar, his business can face fines of up to $2000 USD! and temporary or permanent closure.
The fines for individuals caught smoking are really steep as well. They start at around 1000 pesos or $50 USD and could go as high as 1100 pesos or $550 USD!!! and/or up to 36 hours in jail! That is one expensive smoke!
With the new rules, you can smoke on the streets as long as you stay away from other non-smokers and don’t form large groups. This would mean, in Puerto Morelos, you can smoke on the streets, but you cannot smoke on the beach or in the town squares.
This no-smoking law comes as Mexico tries to get its own population to cut back on smoking. Mexico’s legislation is one of the most stringent anti-smoking laws in the world. The Pan American Health Organization has applauded the Mexican Government for the new laws. The ban also applies to advertising and sponsorships. You will notice that stores can’t even display cigarettes for sale now.
For non-smokers, this all comes as a breath of fresh air.
