STRICT ANTI-TOBACCO LAW FOR SOUTH AFRICA

Cape Town No smoking in enclosed public places except in designated
areas. No tobacco advertising. Even ads for non-tobacco products can't
show people smoking cigarettes.

Such is life in South Africa under one of the world's strictest
anti-smoking bills, which the lower house of parliament approved Wednesday.

Parliament's upper house has already passed the bill, proposed by
President Nelson Mandela's health minister. It must now reconsider
some last-minute amendments to it. Final passage appeared assured.

The tobacco industry and its supporters are likely to mount a
constitutional challenge to the bill, which could delay it.

All but one of the opposition parties in the National Assembly opposed
the bill Wednesday, but the ruling African National Congress' hefty
majority ensured a 213-106 victory.

Checked-by: Pat Dolan