The "General Tobacco Law and its Harmful Health Effects" Law came into effect last Monday, March 27, 2012. 

Here, we have summarized the requirements with which the companies must comply pursuant to this new law:

This law supersedes Smoking Regulation Law, number 7501 from June 8, 1995.

Company Responsibilities: 

Place notices in a visible place: This includes placing a sign reading "No Smoking. Smoke free environment" along with the international "No smoking" sign.

Allow workers to pursue anti-smoking programs: An employer must give permission to workers with diagnosed tobacco addiction to assist therapeutic sessions.

Incentives: to incentivize workers to participate in smoking cessation programs.

Sanctions:

Persons who smoke in forbidden places will be fined 10% of the national minimum wage (¢36,060.00, aprox. USD$72).

If there is a failure to put up the requisite signs, the person responsible for putting up the signs will be fined 15% of the national minimum wage (¢54,090.00, aprox. USD$108). 

A legal representative with the responsibility to prevent smoking in forbidden places will be fined 50% of the national minimum wage (¢180,300.00, aprox. USD$360).

The Health Administration and the Municipality are entitled to revoke the licenses of the companies or establishments that do not follow the obligations established in this law.