www.CostaRicaTicas.com

The day that happens, I'll be in Nicaragua or Medellin . I left the USA due to oppressive laws.

_________________
* These are the "Good Ole Days". Enjoy Them.

* RENT but, "Don't Buy a Home in Costa Rica" until you have lived here for THREE years.

Approval of Cost Rica's Tough Antismoking Law Stalled

It is unclear if it was by design or by coincidence, but when the smoke cleared, the failure of four legislators to attend the vote on the Ley Antitabaco, suspended the day's session for failure to reach a quorum.


Only 34 legislators were present in the legislative assembly when it came time for the second and final vote on the antismoking law, when a minimum of 38 of the 55 legislators is required for a quorum.

The biggeest absences were with the legislative members of the Movimiento Libertario (ML) and the Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC).

Three legislators were at the door, not entering the plenary, Yolanda Acuña of the PA, Jorge Angulo of the PLN and Rita Chavez of the GO, the latter one of the defenders of the proposed smoking ban.

Chavez said in an interview to the media that she could make it on time for the session and asked the government to place the bill on the legislative agenda for next week.

Dr. Roberto Castro, head of the Red Nacional Antitabaco, demonstrated his upset with the legislator's actions, saying the situation is similar to where a patient needs medical care but is not provided such because he or she arrives late.

The objective of the antismoking law - approved in first vote on Monday and requiring second voting to go into effect - is to ban cigarette smoking in all public places, including bus stops, taxi stands and private spaces, like the workplace.

The proposed law also bans the sale of a cigarettes in less than a full pack (20 cigarettes), provides that at least 50% of the package include messages on the dangers of smoking and heavy fines for smuggling and non compliance with producers, distributors and advertisers.

The new law would be under the control of the Ministerio de Salud, which the power to revoke "permisos sanitarios" (health permits) to bars, restaurants, etc, who do not stop smoking in their premises.

Although unclear on how it will be implemented, but smoking in private offices and other workplaces will also be banned.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Personally I don't have a dog in the fight as I quit about 4 weeks ago after a bit of a relapse last year. What most people are talking about and shaking their heads about is priorities. Not many disagree on banning cigs, but get a little frustrated that the gov't keeps coming up with new projects, prohibitions and taxes and still ignores crime and other more pressing issues. I don't think anyone has thought about it from this angle, but I don't expect the Chinese will approve of this. They love to puff away, and they do own CR. So I'm wondering if they were consulted.

You will be missed!!!

Could not agree more

Why a BAN - can't some type of accomodation happen - and the question, if it passes, when would the regulations go into effect - roughly 18 months.

I'm sick and tired and not a little pissed to see Costa Rica inch closer and closer to the USA in restricting freedoms - guys come down to CR to relax; do things that they can't in the USA - some guys who never smoke in the USA do so in CR as a form of "kicking back"

"Not with a bang but a whimper...."

I'm surprised that somebody hasn't busted out with the usual CRT logic that "Smoking is banned in most public places in the States" . Usually when we have any complaint about something Costa Rica, we get a comparison to something happening in the States.

I feel the businesses should be able to decide if they want to be a smoking establishment or not. Then the nonsmokers can go to the nonsmoking business establishments. Especially bars and restraunts. And its a pretty lame arguement about the workers. If they don't like it then don't work there.
Red

Man, we could hang out - again, agree w/ you 100%

To me, its a restraint of trade issue too - when we had the choice, one could decide if they wanted to patronize an establishment that allowed smoking - or not - and guess what, people did - the dangers of smoking and 2nd hand smoke are well known - today, technologt exists to allow - say in a res't or a bar - to accomodate both. The smoking bans are just that - no accomodation, they just want to ban it, when compromise is possible.



OK - I think vegans are dumb and guys who want to ban things others find pleasurable are too - I almost never drink, but I'd never be in favor of a ban on liquor (we tried that - it was called prohibition, and we all know how well that worked )

I just think the technology exists to allow accomodating smokers and non.

PS I could care less what someone eats or does not ; your personal choice - my views tend towards liberterian

One thing I'm not is dumb - read some of my posts and that fact will become apparent.

Yeah, I'm phucking with you a little - but believe 100% that there can be some accomodation on this topic and there does not have to be a ban - wish the other side was willing to compromise

anybody suppose this new bias member vegan bob might be a twin brother to hangman

I don't think Vegan will care when they ban prostiution as eating pu*sy is probably not on his menu. And that 2nd hand pu*sy thing is bad for some peoples health.
Red

haha I know this thread will go 10 pages or so, but just wondered if ya realize something. Argue either side as much as you like, it ain't gonna affect the outcome. Regardless of whether it is a good thing or it sucks. The point being is that you all are gonna argue with each other, flame each other over something that is going to happen without the consent of us gringos.

I've always dreamed of a smoke-free DelRey now if they will just ban smog and diesel fumes!

Don't you even think about taking away my right to Chepe smog!

Really?, Bummer! I thought a quick shower would make it safe!