17 Jul 2008

Samoan moves towards new tobacco control legislation

10:01 am on 17 July 2008

The Samoan government is making progress in a new bill to control the sale and use of tobacco in public areas because of concerns over the rate of people developing smoking related diseases.

Parliament expects the proposed tobacco control legislation to come back for a third reading by the end of the week, before it moves to enforce it.

Out correspondent, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, says the proposed bill includes banning the sale of tobacco to people under 21 years of age and the sale of individual cigarette sticks as well as other restrictions.

"There will be a ban imposed on smoking in public areas, such as in public transport like buses and taxis, as well as in public places like nightclubs, bars and restaurants."

Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia says there is also a provision for bars, restaurants and nightclubs to provide a separate outdoor area for smokers.