Jump to full article: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (fr), 2009-09-03
Intro: 1.1.1 On 26 February 2008, the Legislative Assembly of Mexico DF (Federal District) passed a law Ð La Ley de Proteccin a la Salud de los No Fumadores [Law for the Protection of the Health of Non-Smokers] Ð requiring all indoor workplaces and public places in the city to be smoke-free. On the same day, the Mexican Senate passed the federal General Law on Tobacco Control that also addresses exposure to second-hand smoke. However, the national law is not sufficiently protective as it allows indoor designated smoking areas.
1.2 The Study
1.2.1 This case study demonstrates how Mexico DF developed and implemented its smoke-free agenda, discusses the impact of its smoke-free law and identifies lessons learned. Information was gathered from interviews with key informants (listed in the Acknowledgments), as well as available studies and documentation. . . .
7.2 Success Factors
7.2.1 Political champions. The active role taken by key politicians and senior civil servants -- both Members of the DF Legislative Assembly and from the DF Ministry of Health -- in steering the law through the legislative process and engaging with a high-profile media debate was vital in achieving a comprehensive smoke-free law.
7.2.2 Strong, knowledgeable, and coordinated NGOs support. The presence of informed, influential and dedicated tobacco control advocates able to support the political process, lead campaigns and to be flexible and responsive to a rapidly changing policy environment was also an essential ingredient of success. Their willingness to work together combined with knowledge of the rationale for smoke-free laws and of good practice from elsewhere, as well as their links to key decision-makers, significantly boosted the prospects of a successful outcome.
7.2.3 Coordinated and well-funded communications efforts. The DF experience reinforced experience from elsewhere in the world of the value of having coherent campaigns to inform and reassure workplaces about the reasons for the law, what the law means for them, and how it will work in practice. At the same time, it highlighted the benefits of using promotional campaigns and the media to raise awareness of the dangers of exposure to second-hand smoke, counter opponents' arguments and mobilize support for comprehensive smoke-free legislation. Ensuring consistency in the primary messages, emphasizing the health rationale and explaining that the law was not anti- smoker were key.
7.2.4 Adequate funding and technical support. Funding was available to NGOs and government to ensure paid staff working full-time on the campaign, and sufficient budgets to run media campaigns and other supportive activities. The funding was complemented by high-level technical support from international experts when needed, which supported in-country activists to move more quickly and effectively.
7.2.5 Clear, comprehensive law. Successful implementation and perceived high levels of compliance were greatly aided by having a law that prohibits smoking in all enclosed workplaces and public spaces, with very few exemptions. Mexico DF's law confirms experience elsewhere that such laws are clearer, simpler to draft, fairer and easier to enforce. The DF law also meets the criteria favoured by most of the hospitality sector for smoke-free laws that cover all premises.
7.2.6 Readiness to respond to industry arguments, and research to support arguments. Many of the issues and arguments raised during the debates about the law were similar to those that arise in almost every place when smoke- free legislation is considered. The ability of smoke free advocates to tap into tried and tested arguments -- particularly where they were backed up by local or, at least, national research -- was a major advantage. . . .
7.4.2 While challenges remain, the smoke- free law is a major public health achievement for Mexico DF and will generate significant health benefits for citizens in the years ahead. The Mexico DF smoke-free experience is an example for others to learn from and to follow. The progress made with relatively modest resources, and in a short period of time, demonstrates the potential for other large cities in Latin America and elsewhere to adopt similar laws. 1 Valds-Salgado R, Lazcano-Ponce EC, Hernndez-çvila
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