Smoggy Mexico City Clears The Air Indoors With Smoking Restrictions

MEXICO CITY (AP) – In one of the world’s smoggiest cities, the air will soon be clear – at least inside.

A law banning smoking in virtually all public spaces in Mexico City – exceptions include parks, soccer stadiums and outdoor seating areas – goes into effect Thursday.

The owners of restaurant and bars, which can be fined or even closed if they ignore smoking in prohibited areas, are bristling at the regulations.

Daniel Loeza, vice president of the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Food Industry, said business owners do not want to police their clients.

“We should not have to confront our customers,” said Loeza, whose group represents 35,000 restaurants. “Our business is to serve customers.”

Smokers who refuse to put out their cigarettes face fines ranging from $50-$150 and 36 hours in jail.

Living amid heavy air pollution, many Mexico City residents have become inured to second-hand smoke.

But nonsmoker Marisol Estrada, 32, applauded the new measure.

“We all breathe the same air,” the bank employee said.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)