News

Non-smokers who plan on taking a holiday in the British Virgin Islands have been given some good news.

The archipelago's Legislative Council has passed the Tobacco Control Act, which makes smoking in public places illegal.

It means smoking is now prohibited in restaurants and bars, with the aim of making the islands a healthier place in which to take a holiday.

Ministers in the British Virgin Islands say the passing of the Act is a good thing and will likely benefit tourism.

'I think my colleagues acknowledged the need to protect the non-smokers in this community and this is good,' said health and social development minister Ronnie Skelton.

'The concern for public health obviously outweighs any of the other concerns that may be considered when introducing such a ban especially with the territory's dependence on tourism.'

The British Virgin Islands joins a growing list of countries which have introduced a ban, with the current figure standing at 57.

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