The National Restaurant Chamber (CANIRAC) believes it has won an important legal victory in its fight to stave off the impact of an anti-tobacco bill that effectively outlaws smoking in all eateries and bars, even in designated outdoor zones.
On July 13,a federal administrative court granted an injunction (amparo) filed by CANIRAC that “definitively suspends” the new regulations that were introduced into law on January 15 of this year.
CANIRAC President Mario Avalos said business owners affiliated with the chamber should go to one of their regional offices to obtain copies of the documentation substantiating the court decision. Non-members can also benefit from the ruling, he added, but without having the official proof.
Avalos said many businesses invested large sums in adapting their premises to accommodate smokers under previous regulations. He said research shows that many smokers prefer to avoid establishments that respect the new laws, and seek out those that flout the regulations and potentially risk sanctions.
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