Objective:

To analyze successful national smokefree policy implementation in Colombia, a middle income country.

Materials and methods:

Key informants at the national and local levels were interviewed and news sources and government ministry resolutions were reviewed.

Results:

Colombia’s Ministry of Health coordinated local implementation practices, which were strongest in larger cities with supportive leadership. Nongovernmental organizations provided technical assistance and highlighted noncompliance. Organizations outside Colombia funded some of these efforts. The bar owners’ association provided concerted education campaigns. Tobacco interests did not openly challenge implementation.

Conclusions:

Health organization monitoring, external funding, and hospitality industry support contributed to effective implementation, and could be cultivated in other low and middle income countries.