Those who enjoy a frosty beverage and a cigarette while at the beach or the resort pool will be disappointed by the new smoking laws in Mexico.
That means if you have a vacation planned in Cancun and you intended on smoking while there you need to read this article. We have all the latest on the new smoking laws in Cancun.
We at EFL want to keep our readers informed on the latest news. Making you as prepared as possible for your trip.
I mean who wants to spend 36 hours of their vacation time in jail because they lit up walking down the street? A law that was approved in 2008 took effect on January 15, 2023.
The law prohibits smoking in bars, restaurants, resorts, hotels, bus stops, stadiums, and beaches. Basically, there is no more smoking in public in Cancun and Mexico.
The only exemptions to this law is smoking in private homes or private outdoor spaces.
Update 5-08-2023….
Considering the harsh new smoking laws business owners are doing what they can to accommodate all guests. Resorts and beach clubs have set up smoking sections for guests that smoke.
These areas will not be on the beach and can not be near an exit for a building, or near where food and drinks are served or so the law states. Many businesses have claimed they will file law suites against the law however these smoking sections are the best business owners can do while considering the new laws as they are. Also, yes you will see people
smoking walking down the street and in other prohibited areas.
I am not saying you can or can not break the law. I am solely informing our
readers with the latest and most current information regarding some of the worlds top vacation destinations.“–Sabrina
How do you plan for a vacation in Cancun? Simple. Read our 2023 Cancun travel guide. It has all you need to plan a fabulous vacation in Cancun.
If you’re planning a vacation to Cancun, Mexico, you should be aware of the new smoking laws that took effect on January 15, 2023.
Smoking is now prohibited in public places. The only exception to this law is if you are smoking in a private home or private outdoor space. Fines and punishments for breaking the new smoking law in Mexico are substantial!
The New Smoking Laws For Cancun And Mexico
Why the harsh ban on smoking? In 2008 a law was approved that prohibited smoking in restaurants and other businesses.
Even though the law was approved it wasn’t implemented until January 2023. Unexpectedly the government added an extension to the law right before it was set to take effect.
Banning smoking in all public spaces. The fines and punishments are pretty hefty for breaking the new smoking law in Mexico. Businesses that break the rule face fines of 2000 dollars.
If they are cited 3 times they face closure. Individuals who break the law can be charged anywhere from 50 to 300 dollars and possible jail time. What!!
For family activity ideas while vacationing in Cancun read our Cancun activity guide here. This is a complete list of family activities in Cancun. Many of these activities are local activities and are not mentioned in the other lists out there!!
One in eight Mexicans consume tobacco products and this new law was a surprise for them and the millions of visitors that come to Mexico each year.
Many businesses have stated they will fight against the new harsh regulations. Saying they will lose revenue due to the new smoking laws in Mexico.
Not everyone is in an uproar over the new law. The WHO and PAHO have encouraged other countries to follow Mexico in their great efforts to abolish smoking.
Mexico states that 10 percent of their yearly deaths are caused by smoking-related complications. The government is pushing to try to save millions of lives a year from smoking-related diseases.
Mexico is not the only country to have strict smoking rules. Many popular travel destinations have laws against the use of tobacco.
Thailand has banned smoking on all of its beautiful beaches and enforced this rule firmly. Barcelona, Hawaii, and Spain prohibit smoking on their beaches.
Countries such as Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Netherlands, and Sweden have restricted the use of tobacco in any public space. I didn’t have a clue so many countries have banned smoking.
Cancun Know Before You Go
This new law brings up a planning topic I never thought of. What things do you do in your home country that are illegal in the country you are visiting?
I mean not knowing this information can land you in prison in some places. I love immersing myself in the culture but visiting jail is a little too extreme for me.
When visiting another country, it is important to research the region. Look up laws on topics like drinking, smoking, prescription medications, and clothing. Just because you aren’t aware of a law doesn’t mean you are exempt from it.
Vacation planning is an exciting process, and vacationing in a foreign country can be even more thrilling. But there are also some important things to consider when traveling overseas, including knowing the laws of the foreign country you’re visiting.
It’s essential to be aware of the laws and regulations of the country you’re vacationing in, as they may be different from the ones you are used to.
Advice To Smokers Visiting Cancun
Is there smoking on the beach? No. Is there smoking in bars and clubs? No. Can you smoke at resorts, casinos, or on balconies of apartment buildings? No. Can you smoke walking down the street? No.
Did you book transportation yet?? Click here to book transportation in Cancun.
So, what is my advice to those who smoke and want to continue to smoke while on vacation in Cancun? I would book a private residence.
Take care don’t book an apartment or condo. You will need to book a house. While you are chilling at your accommodations you should be free to smoke outside.
However, while you are out and about in town you may have to put the cigarettes down.
If you want complete packing lists for your Cancun vacation, check out my packing guides here. Both have free printable lists to help you stay organized.
What To Pack For Cancun: The Best Beach Packing List
All You Need To Know About All Inclusive Vacationing What To Pack And More
Just like all new things it will take time for everyone to adjust. I also wouldn’t be surprised if the law changes over time. (UPDATE the law is being fought in courts and they definitely are not restricting smoking or advertising of cigarettes as much as they originally let on.)
We have lived in Cancun for a while now and have seen new strict laws implemented out of nowhere and then adjusted to a tolerable level over time.
But who knows? Many countries have adopted restrictions and it seems like this trend is more hot than not. Someday the entire world could be tobacco-free whether we all agree or not.
Learn about more laws tourist need to know when visiting Mexico. This is a foreign country, and the laws and judicial system is different here. Know before you come and protect yourself and your family. Read My latest article on Cancun safety here!!
The new smoking laws have many in fumes over the severity of the restrictions. The harsh Mexico smoking laws may even change some vacationers’ travel plans.
After reading about the new laws, I now have a better understanding of how important research on your travel destination is. Topics like smoking or drinking laws in the country you are visiting are not commonly added to a planning guide.
I now know that these are very important topics to have answers to before you go. At EFL we want our travelers to be prepared and have all they need for the best vacation.
“Traveling to a foreign country is an experience that is both exciting and nerve-wracking. While you may have already planned out your itinerary, it’s important to take a step back and do some research on the region you plan on visiting. This includes looking up the laws and regulations concerning drinking, smoking, prescription medications, and clothing. Remember that just because you may not be aware of a particular law, it doesn’t mean you are exempt from it. So do your homework and make sure you’re prepared before embarking on your unforgettable travel adventure! We want to help you to follow your dreams no matter how impossible they may seem.” Sabrina
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by usingCheapOair. It’s our favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know you are getting the best deal.
Book Your Accommodation
We useBooking.comas it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. We find the reviews more accurate and the prices consistently lower.
Stay Securely Connected To Your Home Countries Banking And Streaming Services
We useCyberGhost VPNbecause the product has worked 3 plus years for us. We are able to securely stream our U.S. Netflix Content, watch NFL, and access all our U.S. Bank Accounts. They have amazing customer service and they offer protection for mobile devices.
Have Your U.S. Mail Forwarded For Extended Stays
We useU.S. Global Mailfor all our U.S. Mail. They have a very convenient scanning feature that allows you to see your mail before forwarding it to Mexico. They are very competitively priced. We have used them for over 3 years.
