Smoke-Free Air in Uruguay

This case study examines the steps taken in Uruguay that led to the national comprehensive smoke-free regulations seen today. While there can be no “script” for a successful smoke-free air campaign, the Uruguayan experience included a number of tactics that may be universally employed:

• Use the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
• Fight tobacco, not smokers
• Recruit allies from outside the public health community
• Work closely with public health officials as well as the medical community
• Include academia
• Consider smoke-free air legislation as part of a larger tobacco control effort.