The Solomon Islands health minister says he plans to introduce a bill to ban smoking in public places.
Benjamin Una says the bill is likely to be tabled when parliament meets in November.
Mr Una made the announcement as the Solomon Islands Tobacco Company launched its new cigarette factory in Honiara.
He says the bill aims to ban smoking in buses, taxis, offices, restaurants and cruise ships.
Mr Una says while smoking will remain an individual's choice, Solomon Islanders, in particular young people, must realise that smoking is a health hazard.
