The government "approved a bill for the protection of citizens from the involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke and for the reduction of demand relating to addiction, as well as for the cessation of its consumption and the reinforcement of the information available to consumers," the statement said.


The bill bans smoking in areas with service in all types of restaurants, cafes and bars, including in concert venues and cinemas, casinos, bingo halls, games rooms and other spaces that host non-artistic shows.


The minister of health, Paulo Macedo, noted that the new bill comes eight years after the current tobacco law took effect.


Among changes to cigarette packaging are the replacement of text warnings with pictures aimed at dissuading people from smoking, and the elimination of "subjective" descriptive words such as "light". Tobacco products with distinctive aromas, such as menthol, are also to be banned.


Until now smoking has been allowed in closed public spaces with the appropriate air extraction systems, as specified under the existing law. A moratorium of five years is foreseen for the application of the new law for establishments that have invested in these systems.