Brazil bans smoking, cigarette advertising in public spaces

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff Thursday signed a law banning smoking in public spaces and tobacco advertising at sale places in his country. Smoking in all enclosed public spaces, defined as free access areas used simultaneously by several people, is forbidden in the new law. It also prohibits tobacco advertising such as posters or banners at sale places. Previously the ban was only imposed on TV, radio and billboards advertising. In addition, the law increases the taxes and establishes minimum prices over the tobacco products to discourage buyers, therefore the cigarettes prices are expected to increase 20 percent in 2012 and 55 percent by 2015. Health warnings are also required on both sides of cigarette packs to alert consumers about the consequences of their smoking habit. The law is welcomed by some anti-smoking groups. "In addition to protecting the health of its citizens, Brazil has also set an example for the world," said Matthew Myer, president of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.