This Day in History: 4 November 1998
The National Assembly votes by 213 to 106 to pass the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill, which bans all forms of tobacco advertising and prohibits smoking in public places, including workplaces. The passage of the anti-smoking law is greeted with outrage by cigarette manufacturers, who threaten court action against the legislation. Critics (Manufacturers, suppliers and sports administrators etc) of the law claim that it will damage the economy, and that the ban on tobacco represents an unconditional infringement on the right of free speech. Worst hit by the legislation are soccer, bowling and horse racing as cigarettes companies mostly sponsored their competitions.
Source:
Fraser, R. (1998). Keesing's Records of World Events: Longman: London, p. 42597.
