Smoking Nixed in Ponce Area, Porta Caribe

The law is also said to be specifically beneficial for children, as it prohibits smoking in vehicles with children under 13. The new regulations place Puerto Rico at the forefront of Caribbean destinations with a comprehensive smoke-free policy.

Fines are in place to help enforce the law, as well as more than 200 public health inspectors and police who can fine establishments $250 and individuals $25 for each violation.

For those wishing to smoke, some businesses are creating designated smoking areas outside. According to one news report, hotel visitors are permitted to smoke on the balconies of their rooms.

Puerto Rico joins a growing list of global destinations that have passed and implemented strong smoke-free regulations including New York, California, Massachusetts, District of Columbia, London, South Africa, Ireland and Scotland, among others.