MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Smoking ban in public places begins Monday in Chile

As of next Monday Chile joins the public smoking ban debate with strict measures regulating “smoking” and “non smoking” areas in restaurants, pubs, shopping malls, theatres, cinemas and other closed spaces.

Bars and restaurants with an area less than a hundred square metres will have to choose between becoming "non smoking" or "smoking" and if the latter banned to minors under 18. Public places with larger areas will have to offer both options with the necessary ventilation system to ensure an appropriate environment with fresh air.

According to the Chilean press coffee houses, very popular in downtown Santiago, have already opted for the "smokers" condition, "otherwise we'll run out of business; coffee and smoking seem to go together".

"Here we can smoke", say stickers in windows, proclaiming loyalty to clients, but also warning that the premises are out of bounds for the under 18.

"And if Dad comes along with the kids?", "I'm sorry but I can't let you in", was the testimony of one of Santiago coffee shops managers' interviewed.

"One of the main purposes of the new legislation which becomes effective next Monday is to prevent children from becoming smokers, avoiding the first step whish is passive smoking", said Dr. Fernando Muñoz from Chile's Health Ministry and one of the architects of the initiative.

The bill not only bans the sale of cigarettes to minors under 18 but is also extensive to businesses in the range of 100 metres from schools or education institutions.

The Chilean press reports that according to the World Health Organization, 40% of Chileans between 13 and 15 are smokers, one of the highest rates in Latinamerica.

"This kind of legislation in other regional countries has proved effective in changing teenagers habits", added Dr. Muñoz.

However Chiletabacos, the country's main distributor of cigarettes in Chile argues that come aspects of the bill are "discriminatory" and favour smuggling and a black market.

The bill also bans smoking in offices with more than ten people and cigarette boxes must clearly indicate in big writing the dangers of tobacco. Chile's Health Ministry statistics show that annually 14.000 deaths can be tracked to tobacco.

Those who infringe the law are exposed to fines equivalent to up to 57.000 US dollars or the closure of the business for 30 working days.

Individual smokers who have been warned and insist in ignoring the ban can be taken to a police station and face court action.