Jump to full article: (Long Island, NY) Newsday, 2006-02-17
Author: ADAM RANEY Associated Press Writer
Intro: lawmakers on Thursday passed what would be the toughest anti-smoking law in the Caribbean. The governor said he will sign the restrictions over the objections of some in the tourism industry, banning smoking in bars, restaurants and other public buildings because of health concerns for the employees.
Violators of the law, set to take effect next year, would face a fine of $250 for a first offense, but it is unclear how strenuously it would be enforced.
The law would set Puerto Rico apart from its Caribbean and Latin American neighbors. . . .
would also ban smoking in cars carrying passengers younger than 13.
Opponents see the law as a threat to tourism on an island where many people like to puff on a giant stogie, drink in hand, while betting in one of Puerto Rico's nearly two dozen casinos. The gambling halls are key to the territory's $3 billion tourism industry.
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