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Smoking regulations revealed

From the print edition

Employers will have to give full pay to employees seeking smoking cessation treatment, according to rules released by the Health Ministry this week.

The ministry had been finalizing regulations on how the anti-smoking law, passed in March, would be enforced. 

A specialist for the Social Security System will determine how long a smoking cessation program should take, according to Radio Reloj.

The new regulations also include plans to set up a national registry for companies with outstanding fines for violating the new law. If fines go unpaid, the Health Ministry can close businesses or deny license renewals. In addition, advertising will be policed strongly. Tobacco products must be hidden from public view in stores where they are sold.

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