Just curious. What restrictions are there in restauarnts, public places, etc about smoking?

Most restaurants are smoke-free, though you will encounter one or two that have closed off rooms where you can smoke or an upper mezzanine where smoking is permitted. In our five wks in BA we only came across two places that permitted smoking in designated areas. Thankfully, for us it meant that we had a smoke-free enviroment to have our meals. We never, ever saw anyone violate the non-smoking policy. I hope this works for you.

Thank you for the response. We too prefer the non-smoking areas as much as possible.
Ron

A no-smoking law was passed and everywhere we have gone it has been obeyed.
Twice in 6 months we got into a taxi where the driver was smoking but they threw it out .. so most taxis are smoke free as well.

Wish the law would apply elsewhere in Argentina outside of BA.Nothing like trying to enjoy a bife de chorizo while breathing in the next table's smoke.

Syl, I have heard about that...hopefully it will spread

Syl, I read an article in the Clarin recently, and admittedly my Spanish is quite poor, but they said that 20% of Argentina is now smoke-free. It appeared to include Mendosa and Cordoba. Perhaps, other Fodorites could add to this list or correct me if I am wrong. I was wondering about Salta? Anyone out there know? Annetti

Stayed in Salta for 2 nights last week & smoking is still allowed in the restaurants.Changed our tables mucho times but always ended up breathing in someone's smoke.

Syl: Thank you. I guess we will cross Salta off our list for the time being. We were trying to decide between Mendosa, Cordoba, and Salta. Not exactly on subject, but does anyone know about Santiago, Chile? I may have to post separately. Thank you. Annetti

By the way, OwassoRon, we were in BA in July/Aug during their winter, and it would have been horrible eating indoors with smoking. It was such a pleasure to know we could go anywhere and not need to switch tables to avoid smokers or worry that the empty table opposite us would get a smoker midway through our meals. It made dining out really plesant and of course with Buenos Aires' wonderful food, it was doubly pleasant.

annetti, our architects partner is from Cordoba and he says they smoke everywhere there..he hates it too.

Scarlett: Thank you. My Spanish is really poor or I can't read maps (the Clarin had a map with non-smoking ordinances)or both. Well, it looks like we are going to Mendosa, not a sad thought by any means, but the lack of smoking in restaurants there has made it a good choice for us. Thanks very much for telling me. Annetti

Pls don't tell me I'm mistaken about Mendosa, too. Seriously, if I am, pls correct me. Thanks.

They are a part of the Argentina smoking ban but from what little I have heard, there is not the same adherence to the rules.
Buenos Aires seems to be doing the best job from what friends have told me from their visits outside of the city..

Scarlett: Thank you again. I had heard that the smoking violations in Mendosa occurred late at night. At least there is a hope of a smoke-free eating environment in Mendosa, becuse there does not appear to be any no smoking ordinances existing in Cordoba or Salta currently.