Solomon Islands: Tobacco Laws to be Effected in May

Source from:  Islands Business 04/19/2013

The Solomon Islands Government says it hopes to have tough new anti-tobacco laws in place by the end of May to coincide with World No Tobacco Day.

Under changes being considered by Cabinet, it would be illegal to sell tobacco products within 200 metres of schools and restaurants.

Smoking in some public places, including schools, restaurants and government offices, would also be banned.

Dr Lester Ross, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health, has told Radio Australia there'll also be big warnings on cigarette packets.

Chinese traders in Honiara fear they'll be unfairly targeted because a lot of their shops are located in the restaurant precinct in the city's Chinatown.

President of the Chinese Association of Solomon Islands, Matthew Quan, told Radio Australia the Chinese traders in Honiara are worried because they can't really go anywhere else. Enditem