[Intl-tobacco] Botswana moves to major restrictions on smoking

[robert weissman]

Botswana moves to ban smoking
IOL/Sapa
August 9, 2004

Gaborone - In a move that amounts an almost total ban, Botswana is seeking
to tighten legislation to stop smoking in all private or public places,
public transport and workplaces - and to restrict smoking where there are
children, pregnant or lactating mothers.

Even in homes, families would have to protect children from the effects of
smoking. Many public places already prohibit smoking except in designated
areas.

The age at which persons may purchase tobacco products or sell them would be
raised to 18 years, with penalties for retailers who do not comply including
fines of up to 5 000 pula or three months in jail, or both.

According to a Bill in the Government Gazette dated July 6 and distributed
Friday, the only seeming exclusion is a place of lodging, where the owner
may designate smoking rooms provided they are physically detached from the
'non-smoking' areas.

Provisions of the Bill include: 'Every family shall, at their home, create
an environment that will enable children to be protected from exposure to
second-hand smoke and the enticement to smoke.

'Every pregnant or lactating woman shall protect the unborn child from
exposure to tobacco smoke by avoiding smoking and exposure to second-hand
smoke.'

There is no indication of how soon the Bill will be before parliament. -
Sapa