Nov. 6--During a press conference Leader of Government Business McKeeva Bush reiterated Tobacco Law passed in October 2008 would finally take effect by the end of the year, and that public education campaign will be launched late November or early December.

"While regrettable, this delay will allow us to get it right and does have the added benefit that residents and businesses now have ample time to get to know the provisions of the Law before it comes into effect," Mr Bush said.

"We hope to see the regulations finalised and approved within a few weeks, after which public health officials will start a public education campaign that will include town hall-style stakeholder meetings," he said Mr Bush said that the delay in the Tobacco Law which is being pushed back to 31 December 2009, would allow the government the time needed to get it right.

"We want to assure business owners that they will have access to all the necessary information, so they can be compliant with the Law," Mr Bush explained.

"We encourage all businesses to familiarize themselves with the details of the law, and we look forward to working with them to ensure the smooth implementation of the law in the New Year," he said.

Mr Bush noted that some of the key provisions of the Law have already been implemented.

"It is already an offence to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18. It is against the law for minors to be involved in the purchase and sale of tobacco," he said.

These key provisions, he noted, would help to protect the youth of the country. He said that smoking would soon be prohibited in public places and that health warnings would be made mandatory on tobacco packages.

Other sections of the law deal with smoking in public places, a vendor register, and guidelines on the display and packaging of tobacco products -- to name a few of the main provisions.

"I am confident that this legislation will be a valuable tool in helping people to embrace a healthier lifestyle and I am certain that we will see improved health and a long-term reduction in health care costs, as a result of this legislation," the LoGB noted.

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