No Smoking or Dogs on the Beach

Mexico’s expanded anti-smoking law went into effect on January 15, 2023. By decree of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, smoking is prohibited in hotels, parks, schools, shopping centers, churches, stadiums and other public places, indoors or out. 

Police officers have the authority to ticket people smoking in public, including tourists, with fines up to $550 usd. In addition, the law states that non-compliance may result in up to 36 hours of jail time. Vaping and e-cigarettes have been banned in Mexico since 2008 and it is illegal to import these products into the country. 

The law applies to hotels and appears to also apply to condominio complexes that have vacation rentals. Vecinos advises owners to check with their attorneys regarding the applicability of the law.  Outdoor smoking areas may be designated a minimum of 10 meters away from other services or facilities. 

Here is a link to the law:

https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5674791&fecha=16/12/2022#gsc.tab=0

In addition, locals have been alerted that the federal law prohibiting dogs on the beach is now being more consistently enforced in Tulum municipality. Beginning in April, 2022, federal officials warned that enforcement would include fining the owners and potentially impounding the animal. To avoid tangling with authorities, please keep your pet off the beach, on a leash at all times, and pick up after them along the street.