In last Wednesday’s session, the HOD has yet to deliberate on the measure.
The bill stated that the Olbiil Era Kelulau believes it is time to enact legislation to protect the health and well being of Palau’s citizens by updating the current tobacco-related laws.“The Republic of Palau has unusual needs regarding the prevention of tobacco- related harms because the majority of tobacco users chew tobacco instead of smoking it. It is nonetheless important to enact measures that will allow Palauans to live in a smoke-free environment in addition to instituting measures to discourage all uses of tobacco in Palau, especially among children,” the bill said.The bill calls for the revision and update of licensing and sales of tobacco so that enforcement and licensing will be more efficient.The Republic’s current laws regulating tobacco control originated from theAlcoholic Beverage and Tobacco Products Control Act, and alcohol and tobacco control laws are combined in the same chapter of the PNC. This bill separates the tobacco laws from the alcohol laws and creates new tobacco control laws to comply with the Republic’s commitment to the FCTC.The bill also designated smoking areas and penalties for violation of the measure.
