Bars, schools, buses, and restaurants are among some of the places that could soon be smoke free in the Cook Islands.
Cabinet has approved drafting an amendment to the country's Tobacco Products Control Act which would ban the manufacture of tobacco products in the Cook Islands and the use of tobacco inside public places.
It would also mean importers, distributors and sellers of tobacco products would have to hold a current license and retailers would have to store them out of sight.
The Ministry of Health says it will bring the country in to line with international best practice.
The Cook Island News reports a ministry official saying the amendments are about ensuring a healthy population and combating the harmful effects of tobacco.
