Via Michael Bloomberg:

On Monday, July 16, the President of Vietnam, Truong Tan Sang, signed into law a comprehensive tobacco control bill. The law mandates 100% smoke-free environments in almost all public places, including restaurants in Vietnam. It also requires 50% of tobacco package surfaces to have graphic pictorial warnings, while also strengthening the nation’s advertising ban. Mike Bloomberg visited Vietnam earlier this year and had this to say about the news:

“I want to congratulate Vietnam for officially going smoke-free. Last week, Vietnam adopted a comprehensive tobacco control law which makes virtually all public places 100% smoke-free and requires vivid health warnings on all tobacco packages. These are proven practices that Bloomberg Philanthropies advocates through its work to reduce tobacco use,” said Michael Bloomberg. “Tobacco control is a key initiative of Bloomberg Philanthropies because we know reducing smoking and exposure to second hand smoke saves lives. This significant step in Vietnam, where we have been working since 2007, is encouraging for tobacco control efforts globally. I visited Vietnam in March and spoke with the Prime Minister about this important issue and I want to applaud him and the other government leaders for their strong commitment to saving lives and standing up for the health of the people of Vietnam.”