You cannot smoke in public in Mexico because of the country’s strict anti-smoking law, which came into force in January 2023. The law bans smoking in all indoor and outdoor public places, including beaches, parks, hotels, and restaurants. The only legal place to smoke tobacco in Mexico is inside private homes or private outdoor spaces.
The law was passed in an effort to protect people from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke is a major cause of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. It can also cause respiratory problems in children.
The law is enforced by local authorities. If you are caught smoking in a public place, you could be fined between $50 and $300. You could also be asked to leave the premises.
It is important to be aware of the smoking ban in Mexico if you are planning to travel there. If you are a smoker, you should make sure to find a designated smoking area or smoke in your hotel room.
Here are some of the places where smoking is prohibited in Mexico:
- All indoor public places, including restaurants, bars, workplaces, and public transportation
- All outdoor public places, including beaches, parks, and sidewalks
- Within 10 meters of schools, hospitals, and other health care facilities
- Within 50 meters of bus stops and train stations
- Within 20 meters of entrances to government buildings
If you are unsure whether you are allowed to smoke in a particular place, it is always best to ask.
My personal observation Cindy Trautwein living in Cozumel Mexico… if you’re in a bar or restaurant they don’t want you to smoke anywhere near their establishment.
If you’re on a beach club area, they have designated areas far away from the public. In general Cozumel Mexico is not friendly towards smoking because of the recent passing of these laws, however as in anything Mexico, it comes in very strict, but to get somewhat relaxed. For instance in OXXO’s Cozumel behind the cash register the new law was originally said they would not be able to showcase any cigarettes and that’s now been lifted.
Fortunately, for the locals that live here smoking has been an expensive option. Therefore, Mexico has never really had a habit of smoking, at least not in this community.
