Peru passes smoke-free law

Enclosed public spaces and work places will soon be smoke-free in Peru, thanks to a law that passed on 30 March 2010.

The new law also includes that heath warnings cover 50 per cent of tobacco products - instead of the current 30 per cent that covers the lower section of packs.

Framework Convention Alliance Latin American Director Eduardo Bianco said the new law marks an extremely important step for a smoke-free America.

"Previously, tobacco law didn’t protect Peruvians from tobacco smoke exposure related damages," he said.

"It is estimated that 9,000 Peruvians die annually due to tobacco related diseases.”

Bianco also said the new law sends a message to other Latin American governments that are not protecting their people from tobacco-related diseases.

According to Bianco, since the Peruvian law was passed Paraguay will soon become smoke-free.

"Making it the fourth South American country to rule for protecting the health of its people," he said.

"In 2006 Uruguay and in 2008 Panama paved the way for a smoke-free Latin America. Then Guatemala and Colombia followed their example," he said.

"We trust that in short time a 'strong wind' of smoke-free air will blow through the whole of Latin America."