On 2 January 2013, the Chilean Congress approved legislation that will ban smoking in all enclosed public places and prohibit all forms of tobacco advertising. Passage of the Tobacco Law has been a long fight for the Ministry of Health, which has been supported by The Union through a Bloomberg Initiative grant since mid-2011. Congress initially rejected the bill when it was brought to debate in January 2012.
The Union continued to work with the National Tobacco Control Unit to expand political and institutional support for the bill. The Union's partner, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, has been working with the Chilean civil society group EPES to gather public support for the bill through media advocacy and campaigns.
Thanks to the continued efforts of the Ministry, The Union and partners, the Tobacco Law was passed by a large majority when it returned to the Congress on 2 January. The legislation aims to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and help halt the tobacco epidemic in Chile. Chile has the highest rate of smoking in Latin America. Over 40% of adults and 34% of children aged 13 to 15 are smokers.
Currently, Chilean law only requires smoke-free environments in health facilities and schools. Partial advertising bans have been in place since 2006. The new legislation will ban tobacco use in offices, universities, restaurants, bars, pubs, casinos, nightclubs and stadiums. Advertising will be completely banned, including at point-of-sale where customers purchase cigarettes. The law also restricts the portrayal of smoking on television before 10 pm and requires all tobacco companies operating in Chile to provide annual reports to the Ministry of Health.
The bill has been sent to the President for his signature, and in-country partners estimate that it will come into force before the end of March 2013. The Union will continue to support the Ministry of Health to ensure effective enforcement and implementation of the new law.