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No Smoking Law Passed For Samoa

Written by Pio Sioa
Friday, 18 July 2008
Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Health, Tapuimatagi Ms. Palanitina Toelupe After years of huffing and puffing to put together a no smoking law for Samoa, Parliament has finally gave its stamp of approval yesterday when it passed the third reading of the Tobacco Control Act. The new legislation outlaws smoking in public places, work places and public transportations like buses and taxis. Owners are also required to have no smoking signs in designated areas to inform the public. “This is three decades of work and the credit goes to so many people, local and expatriates who had worked and advocated for such a long for a legislation in Samoa,” Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Health, Tapuimatagi Ms. Palanitina Toelupe celebrated. “It is a major step towards the reduction of smoke related diseases that leads to premature deaths, especially in men,” “Children in particular will be discouraged from picking up on the unhealthy practice by seeing that it is not a socially accepted practice.” A proposal in the legislation to limit shops to selling only 20 cigarette packets, was amended to also include 10 cigarette packets. The recommendation to ban the sale of ‘loose cigarettes’ went through instead much to the relief of CEO Tapuimatagi. “While I’m disgusted that the 10 pack was allowed to go through at least there is a provision for review after a trail period. “The excuse that the 10 pack will reduce the number of cigarettes people will smoke is the complete opposite, it will make people smoke more.” The CEO was particularly livid at economic reservations by Government that Samoa makes $40 million in tax revenues from the cigarette manufacturers. “The country’s health bill every year from the treatment of smoke related diseases far outweighs that, there is no comparison. “We’re talking here not just about sick people but the associated social and economic impact on the while country. One sick person affects the whole social and economic life of a family.” The agitated CEO however conceded that the impact of the new legislation in curbing the health problems would take a while to kick in. “The impact will not be immediate, it will more longterm.” The passage of the legislation was not an easy one with the Government forced to reject some of the recommendations suggested by the special House Committee appointed to review the bill. Government did bow to recommendations to keep the 10 pack going for the time being to be reviewed again when there is a need to. Comments (5) Subscribe to this comment's feed about time written by Tama FAnau, July 18, 2008 Its about time the government do something right... awwww....well, it was bound to happen... written by liks, July 20, 2008 awww, i've been to sa twice in the last year, and thought it was a cool bonus to smoke in the clubs.... (in NZ its banned) but I guess it was bound to happen.... damn, oh well... back to smoking outside.... but totally agree with banning smoking on buses!!!... as its not good for the kids.... And it's about time written by Daff, July 22, 2008 I'm glad about the new legislation, it's about time the whole world not on Samoa, realises that smoking is not COOL anymore like it was back in the 60's and 70's, because we now know that smoking does in fact kill and cause disastrous illness to a person. Gone are the days when smoking used to be advertised as popular and cool, now are the days where Samoa needs to follow suit of Australia and strongly advertise what smoking really does do to a persons health and lifestyle. Good on you Samoa !!! ... written by Vaavaai ma Matau, August 02, 2008 Thank you, Palanitina and all you good people working in Public Health. well, why don't we think about banning alcohol too....LOL! Best Thing Government can Do written by Wow, August 03, 2008 This is Good Law and Good Government cheers Write comment Name Email Title Comment
Last Updated ( Thursday, 24 July 2008 )

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