Honduras law let police be called on home smokers

[Judi Lynn]

Honduras law let police be called on home smokers
(February 21st, 2011 @ 3:28pm)

By FREDDY CUEVAS
Associated Press

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) - The last refuge is vanishing for besieged smokers- at least in Honduras. A new law that took effect Monday says family members can call in the police on people who smoke at home.

The new measure bans smoking in most closed public or private spaces and orders smokers to stand at least six feet away from nonsmokers in any open space.

The law explicitly bans smoking in schools, gas stations, nightclubs, restaurants, bars, buses, taxis, stadiums and cultural centers but it doesn't clearly ban smoking at home. A clause, however, expressly says relatives or visitors can summon police to deal with smokers at home: "Families or individuals may complain to law enforcement authorities when smokers expose them to secondhand smoke in private places and family homes."

Rony Portillo, director of the Institute to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Addiction, said those who violate the law will first receive a verbal warning and after the second offense could be arrested. To be released they would have to pay a $311 fine, the equivalent of a monthly minimum wage salary in Honduras.

More:
http://www.620ktar.com/category/health-news-articles/20110221/Honduras-law-let-police-be-called-on-home-smokers/

[Judi Lynn]

1. Smoking Ban In Honduras Takes It To The Next Level

Smoking Ban In Honduras Takes It To The Next Level
FREDDY CUEVAS 02/22/11 01:54 AM

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — Lighting up a cigarette at home could bring a visit from Honduran police if a family member or even a visitor complains about secondhand smoke.

A new law that took effect Monday banning smoking in most public and private spaces doesn't actually outlaw cigarettes inside homes, but it does have a provision allowing people to file complaints about secondhand smoke in homes.

Violations would bring a verbal warning on the first offense. After that could come arrest and a $311 fine – the equivalent of the monthly minimum wage in this Central American country.

Even some anti-smoking advocates suspect that part of the law may not work.

More:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/22/smoking-ban-in-honduras-_n_826490.html