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Smoking in Uruguay in enclosed public spaces became illegal on 1 March 2006. On that date,bars,restaurants oroffices where people are caught smoking began facingfines of more than$1,100 or a three-day closure. Uruguay was the first country inLatin America toban smoking in enclosed public spaces.[1]
Anti-smoking groups estimate that as many as a third of Uruguay's 3.4 million people smoke.Uruguayan PresidentTabaré Vázquez, anoncologist, has cited reports suggesting about seven people die each day in Uruguay from smoking-related causes includinglung cancer,emphysema and other illnesses.[2]
To help promote the plan, president Vazquez launched a campaign called "A Million Thanks," which is a reference to the number of Uruguayan smokers. So far, the campaign seems to have won these people over, as an opinion poll conducted by theMinistry of Public Health states that close to 70% of the country's smokers support the legislation.[3]
Thepresident was the impetus behind the government-decreed measure, which is among the world’s toughest and is similar to bans already in place inIreland,Sweden, andNorway.[4]
The history of tobacco companies in Uruguay begins with the creation of theCompañía Industrial de Tabacos Monte Paz S.A., founded in 1880. Represented the brands: Nevada, Coronado and California, among others.[5]In 1945 the companyAbal Hermanos S.A. appeared as representative of the brands:Marlboro,Benson & Hedges, Silver Mint,Philip Morris, Casino, Next andL&M. TheBritish American Tobacco (BAT) was selling tobacco as well as cigarettes. He retired from Uruguay on 21 April 2010, when he represented brands:Kent,Kool,Lucky Strike andPall Mall.[6]
