Where is smoking allowed in Mexico?

The new regulation of the General Law for Tobacco Control in Mexico states that smoking areas must comply with the following guidelines to avoid being sanctioned:

– They must be physically separated and incommunicable from 100% smoke-free spaces and not be the passageway through which people are obliged to walk.

– They should be located 10 meters away from entrances, accesses and exits of buildings and air intake ducts.

– Smoking areas shall not occupy more than 10% of the total area of the establishment.

– They shall have signage prohibiting entry to minors and graphic health warnings on the effects and damage to health of exposure to tobacco smoke.

Please remember that even if you’re dining at a restaurant with an open terrace, patio, or outdoor seating, smoking is not permitted in these areas. You are required to move at least 10 meters away from the tables and chairs to smoke, as it’s prohibited to do so near people who are eating or seated outside the restaurant.

Be mindful of this rule; while you won’t receive a fine, locals and restaurant patrons may view smoking in these areas as disrespectful to the establishment and local customs. You don’t want to be perceived as an irresponsible or rude tourist.