Puerto Rico’s new smoke-free regulations begin March 2, 2007
Smoke-free regulations apply to most public venues
San Juan, Puerto Rico (March 1, 2007) – Puerto Rico will take an important step forward in safeguarding the health of its visitors, employees and residents when its new smoke-free regulations take effect on March 2, 2007. The new regulations place Puerto Rico at the forefront of Caribbean destinations with a comprehensive smoke-free policy.
The new law prohibits smoking at all food establishments (restaurants, cafeterias, coffee shops and fast food restaurants) cultural centres (museums, theatres), casinos, liquor establishments (bar/pubs, nightclubs and liquor stores), convention centres, shopping centres and retail stores, recreation centres, public and government buildings, hospitals and health care centres, public transportation vehicles, judicial courts, all academic institutions, day care centres, retirement homes, funeral homes and private vehicles transporting children under 13 years of age.
Exclusions to the smoking ban are hotel rooms designated as smoke-friendly, establishments dedicated exclusively to the sale of tobacco products and artists in theatrical productions or movies whose role requires them to smoke. Puerto Rico hotels are required to post the new smoke-free rules and regulations in every hotel room and implement proper ventilation and maintenance procedures for rooms designated as smoke-friendly.
The Puerto Rico Tourism company will implement a plan to educate the industry and travellers of the new regulations on smoking in public places in Puerto Rico, so travellers looking for a smoke-free environment can enjoy the island’s many tropical attractions and vibrant nightlife.
Puerto Rico joins a growing list of global destinations that have passed and implemented strong smoke-free regulations, including New York, California, Massachusetts, District of Columbia, London, South Africa, Ireland and Scotland, among others.
Studies show that smoke-free environments have not caused adverse effects on the tourism industry. The University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research found that sales at Florida restaurants increased by seven per cent after the state’s smoking ban went into effect in 2003. A July 2006 report examined sales tax receipts in New York City and New York State between 1999 and 2004 and found that city and statewide smoking bans had no financial impact on bars and restaurants. Independent studies released in Ireland, California, Minneapolis, Massachusetts and Delaware all reported similar results.
For travel between Puerto Rico and the US, no passport is required, making it easier for travellers who will not have to encounter long waits at customs and immigration. Puerto Rico, a commonwealth of the US, offers the best of a tropical island steeped in authentic Latin culture with the benefits of being a domestic destination. English is widely spoken and the currency is the US dollar.
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