No-smoking law in Buenos Aires comes into effect

With effect from 1st October 2006 Buenos Aires has introduced no-smoking legislation affecting all public places (government offices already have a total ban).

"BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, Oct 1 (Reuters) - The smoky bars and cafes of Argentina's capital, where tango lyrics celebrate the "sensual pleasure" of a cigarette, may never be the same now that a tough smoking ban has taken effect.

In a country where about a third of people smoke, the new ban prohibits lighting up in public spaces smaller than 100 square meters (1,100 sq feet), with cafe owners facing fines of up to 2,000 pesos ($640) if they allow customers to flout the law.

Under the new rules, which follow similar bans in other Argentine cities, bigger establishments will have to provide a separate, contained area for smoking customers."

Many establishments have instituted a total ban regardless of size. There is already a legal challenge to the ban on the grounds that it is unconstitutional. Time will tell how determined the government is to enforce this law, or if it will go the way of earlier laws like the wearing of seat belts in cars and the wearing of crash helmets for motorcyclists - i.e. ignored.

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