In Buenos Aires, progress has been made for many years in a policy of discouraging the consumption of cigarettes. The measures that the authorities have taken include the prohibition of smoking in almost all closed and public spaces, as well as a heavy tax burden on the sale of tobacco.
In any case, the individual right to smoke is respected and you will not be persecuted or fined for lighting a tobacco cigarette in your home, your office or on the street.
Here we will tell you in which places you cannot smoke and in which you can, focusing especially on tobacco.
Current Regulations in Buenos Aires
Law No. 1799
Law No. 1799 on Tobacco Control was enacted in 2005. This Buenos Aires City law came into effect in October 2006. The law mandates 100% smoke-free public spaces, awareness and education campaigns, free treatments, and restrictions on advertising.
Law No. 3718
Approved in December 2010, this law prohibits smoking in enclosed public spaces. The aim is to protect citizens and passersby from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. Smoking is only allowed in outdoor areas within public access spaces: patios, terraces, balconies, and parks, or in specific areas for smokers’ clubs and tobacconists without employee service.
Smoking in Buenos Aires: Where You Can and Where You Can’t
Parks and Plazas
Smoking is allowed in parks, plazas, and green spaces in general. It is common to see people of all ages, young and old, smoking while sunbathing, reading a book, or enjoying the scenery.
Streets and Public Spaces
Smoking is permitted on the streets of Buenos Aires. You will see not only pedestrians with a cigarette in hand but also employees and workers taking a break from their tasks to step outside and smoke.
Nightclubs and Dance Venues
The law in Buenos Aires prohibits smoking in enclosed public spaces, which theoretically and legally includes nightclubs. However, it is not unusual to enter a nightclub and smell cigarette smoke right away. It often depends on the nightclub’s management.
Bars and Cafés
Smoking is prohibited inside bars and cafés. If you light a cigarette, you will be asked to put it out within seconds. However, you can smoke at the outdoor tables of bars and cafés, as they are considered public spaces. It is recommended to ask the waiter if smoking is allowed.
Public Transportation
Smoking is banned on Buenos Aires public transportation. This includes buses, trains, and subways, as well as taxis. You also cannot smoke on subway and train platforms. For bus stations, you will need to use your judgment to determine if you are in an open or enclosed space, as it is still a public area.
Private Property
You can smoke freely in your home or office without any restrictions. The type of property, dimensions, rooms, or the presence of open spaces do not matter.
Tobacco and Smokers’ Clubs
Smoking is allowed freely in these places. They have become favorite spots for tobacco enthusiasts, whether it’s cigarettes, cigars, or pipe tobacco.
Shopping Malls
Despite being large and public spaces, shopping malls fall under the category of enclosed spaces. Therefore, smoking is prohibited in shopping malls. If you wish to smoke, you must step outside and smoke on the sidewalk or in an open public space.
Gyms and Sports Centers
Smoking is also prohibited in gyms and sports centers in Buenos Aires. However, in public and open spaces that are part of sports centers, smoking is allowed in stadium stands and outdoor areas.
Universities and Educational Centers
Smoking is strictly prohibited in schools at any level. This applies to students, authorities, and faculty. In universities, smoking is prohibited in enclosed spaces (classrooms, hallways, offices, shared rooms), although this rule is not always followed.
Patios, Terraces, and Balconies
Smoking is allowed in any public access space with patios, terraces, and balconies. As long as you are outdoors, you can light a cigarette in these areas.
(Featured Image Source: Kristaps Solims/flickr.com)
