Tobacco.org

• President wins ban on puffing in public 

Uruguayans are saying "adios" to tobacco smoke in workplaces, shopping malls and many other enclosed public spaces because of a new law promoted by a local cancer specialist -- who also happens to be the nation's president.

The law, which went into effect last week, aims to reshape the habits of as many as 1 million smokers in this small South American nation and penalizes lighting up in offices, shops, restaurants and other indoor areas.

Leftist President Tabaré Vázquez, a practicing oncologist who saw patients even as he took office, had pushed for the law. Its implementation coincides with the first anniversary of his taking office.

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