[Protection from exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke in the canton of Vaud : review and outcomes].

At the beginning of the 2000's the dissemination of scientific evidence, public opinion shift and the example of private or public workplaces led the Latin part of Switzerland to plead for a comprehensive smoke-free ban. In the canton of Vaud, the smoke-free public places law entered into force on September 15th 2009 after a 3-year process initiated by a popular initiative. Key factors included public awareness and information actions, civil society engagement and the involvement of every stakeholder. Smoke-free public- and workplaces led to health improvements in the general population and an evolving social norm towards tobacco use. These outcomes are still challenged by the development of new tobacco products.