Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Applauds Mexico’s Supreme Court Decision to Uphold Law on Smoke-Free Environments
Statement of Patricia Sosa, Director of Latin American and Caribbean Programs, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids applauds Mexico’s landmark Supreme Court ruling, which reinforces the country’s commitment to protecting public health by upholding its law on smoke-free environments. With this decision, the Supreme Court has closed the debate on Mexico’s smoke-free law. Many restaurants and entertainment venues had challenged the provision banning food and drink service in outdoor smoking areas. The Supreme Court ruling confirmed that such services are prohibited in smoking areas, thereby significantly strengthening public health protections.
This decision resolves conflicting interpretations from lower courts and sends a clear message that public health takes precedence over the tobacco industry’s interests. The ruling comes after more than 2,000 legal challenges filed by groups linked to the tobacco industry tried to weaken the country’s tobacco control regulations.
In addition to applauding this important decision, we also recognize the crucial work of civil society organizations, including our local partner Salud Justa Mx, whose strategic communication campaigns and ongoing monitoring of litigation were instrumental in keeping this issue on the public agenda and building support for strong smoke-free protections.
While this ruling is a major victory, the process is not yet over. The Supreme Court is still expected to rule on other legal challenges that have suspended key provisions of tobacco control regulations, including the ban on the display of tobacco products at points of sale. We trust that the court will interpret the law in line with human rights principles and Mexico’s international commitments on public health, ensuring the full protection of people’s right to health through these lifesaving measures.
This decision represents a significant step forward for tobacco control in Mexico and a powerful signal to the region that protecting public health must come before the interests of the tobacco industry.