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South Africa is poised to implement some of the toughest anti-tobacco
legislation yet proposed. The Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill, passed by
the National Assembly last week, would ban tobacco advertising and prohibit
smoking in many public places. Supporters say the bill’s passage is a victory
for public health, while opponents argue that it would severely harm South
Africa’s economy. Before it becomes law, the bill must be passed by the South
African parliament’s upper house and be signed by President Nelson Mandela.