Tonga gets tough on smoking [1]
Saturday, June 30, 2001 - 10:00. Updated on Friday, January 29, 2016 - 17:31.
From Matangi Tonga Magazine, Vol. 16, no. 1, June 2001.
Tonga is taking a tough stand against cigarette advertising, promotion, the selling to young people, and the smoking of cigarettes in public places and on public transport.
When the Tobacco Control Act 2000 comes into force on September 1 this year it will end all forms of promotion and the advertising of cigarettes in Tonga, ending the campaign for a habit that has successfully conquered the pockets and the lives of many Tongans over the years.
The images of glamour, and sport associated with cigarette use will be something of the past.
The crunch of the Tobacco Control Act is to protect young people from smoking and to safeguard the lives of non-smokers from breathing the second-hand smoke of smokers.
Under the Act it is an offence for anyone to sell or supply any tobacco products to a person under the age of 18. Offenders upon conviction are liable to a fine not exceeding $1000, while there are heavier penalities for advertising.
The Tobacco Control Act 2000 was enacted by the Legislative Assembly in October last year and was assented to by King Taufa‘ahau Tupou IV on February 27 this year.