Last Updated
At the beginning of the year, Mexico banned smoking in all public spaces, including outdoor public places.
This also meant that smoking on Cancun’s beaches would no longer be allowed either.
And now, Cancun’s beaches are cleaner than ever, thanks to this new law.
Major Reduction Of Cigarette Butts On Cancun Beaches
The initiation of the ban on smoking in outdoor public spaces, which is part of the Anti-Tobacco Law, has resulted in cleaner beaches.
According to Zofemat, there have been 50 percent fewer cigarette butts littering the beaches in Cancun since January, when the ban was enacted.
They commented that the “presence of cigarette butts on the sands of the public beaches of the municipality has been reduced by 50 percent in the cleaning of sands, after the entry into force of the regulations of the Anti-Tobacco Law.”
@theadepttraveler #TravelNews #SmokingBan #Travel #NoSmoking #Cancun #PlyaDelCarmen #Tulum #VisitMexico #MexicoVacation #Resort #AllInclusive #BeachVacation ♬ original sound
Reasons Behind The Massive Decrease
The ban itself is only partially responsible for the massive decrease in the number of cigarette butts being found on beaches.
Signs being placed on the beach have really brought the public smoking ban to the attention of beachgoers, many of whom do not want to break the law.
Another contributor is the fact that staff has been deployed to the beaches over the last six months to raise awareness about keeping the beaches clean and free of cigarette butts.
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week
Easily Earn Points For Free Travel
@mrdaddy63 #MyOpinionOnly #KeepOnLiving #🥺 #Cancun #NoSmoking💨 #OpenAir #😡 #NoCigars #AwShucks #OhWell #🤷🏽♂️ #PeaceAndHairGrease ♬ original sound – Mr.Daddy63
Consequences For Smoking On Cancun’s Beaches
Zofemat officials explained that with the signs and the staff on the beaches, beachgoers are “given a wake-up call to respect not smoking, because it is prohibited and most comply with the disposition.”
The consequences for not complying are also a deterrent.
Those found to be smoking on public beaches can be fined as much as $300 for one infraction and can even be arrested.
@nolatexan88 ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
The Anti-Tobacco Law
Mexico’s General Law for Tobacco Control was actually approved in 2021, but at the time, a smoking ban only applied to indoor public spaces.
It wasn’t until the beginning of this year that a ban on smoking in outdoor public spaces was enacted.
Along with the smoking ban, the updated law also banned advertising for tobacco products in bars, public places, and even stores.
What The Ban Means For Tourists
The fact that smoking is prohibited in both indoor and outdoor public spaces is something tourists may want to consider when planning a Cancun vacation.
Breaking laws in a foreign country is something that should be avoided.
And now, there are only a few places where smokers can light up.
Hospitality Industry Response
The hospitality industry immediately responded to the complete ban on smoking in public places.
Documents have been filed by hotels and restaurants requesting to be able to allow designated smoking areas.
So far, at least 15 restaurants have been granted this exception, so long as the smoking areas are outside and food is not served in those areas.
Why Reducing Cigarette Litter On Cancun Beaches Is So Important
The smoking ban that has led to the reduction of cigarette litter on the beaches of Cancun provides environmental benefits too; it isn’t just about aesthetics.
Cigarette butts that end up on the beach often then end up in the water, and according to sources, the toxins in cigarettes are harmful to sea life.
Furthermore, fish that consume these toxins can also be harmful to humans, and both are something certainly worth avoiding.
Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:
Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!
Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
↓ Join the community ↓
The Cancun Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A’s for the Mexican Caribbean
Subscribe to our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.