MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina bans smoking in public places; forbids advertising of tobacco companies

It also bans marketing terms such as “light” or “soft”

The Argentine Lower House passed a law that bans smoking in public spaces and forbids advertising, promoting and sponsoring tobacco companies and forces manufacturers to include warnings on the back of all cigarette packs detailing the harmful effects of smoking on health.

The draft bill had the support of most political blocs and was approved by an overwhelming majority, with 182 votes in favour, one against and one abstention.

The draft bill already had the preliminary approval of the Upper House and bans the usage of marketing terms such as “light,” “soft” or others that create the false impression that a tobacco product is less harmful than another.

Deputy María Elena Chieno from the ruling coalition (Victory Front) said the bill seeks to prevent people from starting to smoke, especially since it causes 40 thousand deaths a year in Argentina, 6000 of which are passive smokers.

“The bill seeks to protect the health of the Argentines,” said Deputy Mario Fiad, who admitted that “he would have liked to intensify the citizens’ responsibility and stress on education.”

Opposition Civic Coalition lawmaker Marcela Rodríguez said the content of the law won’t dissuade people from smoking.