www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Not all that uncommon - many cigar shops/lounges, especially those that have their inventory out on display don't want cig's b/c of the chemicals and additives contained that can contaminate cigars.....

In the case of HLH, if Bruce allowed cigarette smokers, there would be no room for the guys smoking cigars, plus - and I'm no phoney; I wish all smokers could be accomadated, along with non - but cigars are a natural product - ah, WTF......most people don't smoke, and majority rules; we get it - but what is dumb:

Telling a guy he can't smoke 50 phucking feet, outside, near an airport parking garage

(I hope no one is surprised that we are likely to enter the "Stupid Season" re this law - looks like its going waaaay too far the wrong way - from my perspective)

Lumping cigars and cigaretts together

Not allowing the business owner to regulate what goes on in his own business

I promised myself that I would not comment further on this subject but.....I love cigars, Costa Rica, and freedom to not deal with some of the restrictions and life hassles we face in the USA - I'm leaving for a week in Granada Nigararua tomorrow night - wonder if they have the same smoking policies....... (its a big cigar producer, so who knows)

Smoking REGULATION IS FOR JUNE 26
Krissia MORRIS / SANDRA LAMB
kmorris@diarioextra.com
As of yesterday the price of cigarettes increased by ¢ 20 and ¢ 400 unit package, so consumers should pay ¢ 1,300 per pack.

Deputy Health Minister, Sisi Castillo said the smoking regulations will be ready for President of the Republic, Laura Chinchilla to sign on 26 June.

On this, the official said on 10 May, groups of several ministries will meet to finalize some outstanding issues that are expected to be ready by May 21, the day will be posted on the website of the Ministry of Health, for public consultation will start the last 10 days, which will extend to May 31.

"Companies and individuals may make any observations and recommendations and should be handle be incorporated into the final regulation. If all goes well, the June 26 President of the Republic, will have to sign the document, "he said Castillo.

He argued that expected an avalanche of comments that said Castillo went to a legal team that is responsible for addressing each of the recommendations.

On 26 March preceding the smoking ban was published and was within the Ministry of Health to adopt regulations to operationalize the legal framework that seeks to regulate smoking.


Those who have the habit of smoking should pay ¢ 400 more per pack, that under Article 22 of Law No. 9028 in which it is stated that each cigarette cost 20 ¢ more.

The new "tax products Snuff" taxed cigarettes, cigars, cigarette, cigar or any derivative of snuff. So if you normally pay ¢ 900 now with the increase shall take ¢ 1300.

This increase is made with the intention that smokers control their addiction and avoid the many diseases caused by this defect, which causes thousands of people worldwide die.

It also prohibits cigarettes are sold loose or in retail packs containing fewer than 20 cigarettes, and the use of vending machines.

TOURISM LAW AGAINST SMOKING suffers
Maria Siu Spears
msiu@diarioextra.com

The new law against smoking is annoying to many of the tourists, who have even mentioned the possibility of not returning home for the discomfort that causes them not being able to light a cigarette.

DAILY EXTRA knew of several hoteliers and shop owners, who demanded anonymity, they have received complaints of tourists from various destinations.

The Executive Director ai of the National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur), Jason Allen, said that foreigners have actually expressed surprise about the radicalism of the Act

"When visitors have previously been in this country is where there is any discomfort. So far it has been manageable, since the Act has been published; us as we try to encourage Chamber members adhere to it, in fact we are in a training process, the prohibition is absolute, common areas, gardens, rooms , parking ... "said Alvarado.

According to Canatur, employers are also awaiting the publication of the regulation to see operational issues, including how to handle the issue of sanctions, actions can be taken and other logistical issues.

Alvarado said some tourism companies have faced the Act enabling some street spaces for visitors to smoke. "It's difficult because for some hotels near the street is simple, but not for those who are more withdrawn, there are some aspects that are not as clear as the parking space is an annex and Guardian workplace, so we interpret that is within the restricted area, "he added.
WILL FIGHT restaurateurs

The president of the Costa Rican Chamber of Restaurants and Related (Title Co.), Manuel Burgos, said they are presented this month by management before the Constitutional Court, because they believe that the law is disproportionate.

"This is a very interesting case that is based on individual freedoms, remember that the Constitutional Court has already told people that things were badly done and sent back.

Burgos said that are not opposed to regulation, but the way in which they did. "It's the bottom what is wrong because on the road banned the sale of a legal product, there's a whole theme around which our lawyers have been handling," he said.

The article that you posted is quite clear, the prohibition is total and complete. There is no exception, which is the central complaint of the tourists mentioned in the article.

Alvarado said some tourism companies have faced the Act enabling some street spaces for visitors to smoke. "It's difficult because for some hotels near the street is simple, but not for those who are more withdrawn, there are some aspects that are not as clear as the parking space is an annex and Guardian workplace, so we interpret that is within the restricted area, "he added.

Always a good lineup of chicas hugging the wall outside SL now when I head home after dinner. I think it may have even slowed down some of the chain smoking chicas a bit.