A Smoking Ban in French Polynesia?

Tahitipresse has reported "the Tong Sang government's proposal to ban smoking in public places starting January 1st has received the near-unanimous backing of the French Polynesia Economic, Social and Cultural Council (CESC).

The council, which, when requested by the local government, provides advice on a variety of subjects. It voted 36-0 with one abstention last week in favor of the proposal, which must now be approved by the French Polynesia Assembly.

The only smoking ban Tahiti has had up until now is a 1988 measure that prohibits smoking in certain places used by many people at the same time, such as some education, health and transportation facilities.

However, the new measure would be much stricter, banning smoking in all work places, restaurants, bars and nightclubs as well as all education, health and transportation facilities."