Argentina Joins Growing Movement Against Tobacco in Latin America
June 14, 2011
Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has signed a tough new tobacco-control law that includes restrictions on tobacco advertising and promotions, as well as a requirement that all indoor workplaces and public places are smoke-free.
The breakthrough comes after decades of heavy tobacco industry lobbying and political influence in the third largest South American country. The industry succeeded in blocking, delaying or diluting meaningful tobacco control measures until now. Argentina signed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2003, but has not yet ratified the global public health treaty.
The comprehensive national law puts in place policies called for by the FCTC.
The law includes:
- A mandate for 100 percent smoke-free indoor workplaces and public places
- Large, pictorial warnings that cover 50 percent of the front of cigarette packs, and text warnings covering 50 percent of the back of packs
- Restrictions on tobacco advertising, promotions and sponsorships
- A prohibition on the use of misleading descriptors such as 'light' and 'smooth.'
Argentina’s action for better health continues the growing momentum for tobacco control in Latin America, joining Honduras, Peru, Colombia, Uruguay, Panama, Mexico, Guatemala and seven Brazilian states in having strong smoke-free policies.
Felicidades, Argentina!