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• $10,000 penalty for smoking in public 

A pack of du Maurier - $14. A loose du Maurier - $1.50.

Getting caught smoking one in a public place could cost you $10,000. That is if the Government has its way in the Senate tomorrow, when Health Minister Jerry Narace is expected to present the Tobacco Control Bill 2008.

The bill is aimed at protecting persons from involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke in all public places.

Apart from office buildings, educational and health institutions, the bill also includes public transportation terminals, bars, clubs and pool halls as banned areas.

And anyone who smokes in these places once the bill becomes law is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of $10,000. The bill requires a three-fifths majority to be passed in the Senate.

In response to the bill, managing director of the West Indian Tobacco Company, Jean-Pierre du Coudray, said his company respected the Government's role in bringing legislation to reduce the negative impact of tobacco on public health.

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