There are now additional modifications Mexico has released about the new smoking ban and how these modifications affect resorts.

Here’s the basics:

• smoking at resorts is only allowed in designated outdoor areas
• these designated outdoor areas should be 10 meters or more from other resort areas
• indoor smoking is prohibited–it is still in question whether resorts will need to purchase a special permit to continue to operate cigar bars

I just returned from my latest stay in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.  Riu Palace Kukulkan outdoor smoking area consisted of about six chairs in a roped off poolside area at the furthest pool on the north side of the resort–it also had a sign warning people that being in that area could harm one’s health.  I didn’t see an actual designated smoking area at Catalonia Royal Tulum, but I did see smoking occurring outside of the buffet restaurant–there were no receptacles in which ash or cigarettes could be put.  Hotel Xcaret Arte had their designated smoking area at the very northernmost end of the main pool–look for the ash receptacle by the enclosed trash containers.  I saw no one smoking on any beaches.

I’m sure there will be more updates as time goes on….