Mauritius Bans Tobacco Advertising, Sponsorship

[Robert Weissman <rob@essential.org>]

Mauritius Bans Tobacco Advertising, Sponsorship
Date: Tuesday, 6/1/99

PORT LOUIS, Mauritius (PANA) - The Mauritian health ministry issued Monday
new regulations banning all forms of advertising by the tobacco industry
and all events sponsored by tobacco companies.

''These regulations also ban smoking in taxis and all passenger transport
vehicles, classrooms, gymnasia, pharmacies, museums, post offices,
kindergartens, lifts, schools, hospitals and other public premises,''
health minister Kishore Deerpalsingh said.

The new regulations provide for fines of 1,000 to 2,000 rupees (40 to 80
US dollars) against offenders.

Another offence, related to smoking in public transport and public places,
carries a maximum prison sentence of three months.

According to a 1998 survey carried out by the health ministry, 47 percent
of men and 3.3 percent of women smoke in Mauritius. However, cigarette
consumption fell in 1998 as compared to 1997.

''We hope to decrease consumption further, like Scandinavian countries
which have adopted national anti-tobacco measures,'' Deerpalsingh told
reporters.