Smoking in public places will be banned in Bermuda from next year after the Senate unanimously approved tough new tobacco laws today.

The new legislation will make it an offence to light up in bars, restaurants hospitals, hotels, offices and schools across the Island.

It will also see cigarette vending machines banned along with tobacco advertising at sporting events and will make it illegal to sell cigarettes to under 18s.

The sales and advertising ban will come into force from January 1, 2006, with the rest of the provisions coming in on April 1.

There will be a $1,000 fine for those who break the law.

However, there will be a six-month grace perid when the rules first come in to effect to give people chance to get used to them.

Introducing the bill, said: ?Rights can be suspended in the interests of public health and it?s for the public health that I bring this before the Senate.

He explained that the ban is part of a global health treaty ? the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control ? which has been signed by 168 countries and ratified by 115 of them, and involves the tightening of anti-tobacco laws.

Italy, Ireland and Sweden are among the nations that have already brought in a ban similar to the new one in Bermuda.

Sen. Tannock said 5 million people across the globe die as a result of smoking each year, and that 17 percent of the population of Bermuda are regular smokers with 28 percent exposed to second-hand smoke.

He said the legislation could present challenges in Bermuda in the form of an impact on retailers and the possible harm it could present to tourism but it was important to address the scourge of smoking addiction.(UBP)said that while she supported the legislation, she was concerned that people will have to go outside their offices to smoke which would look unsightly to passing tourists.

Also supporting the move, Independent spoke of the ?mind-boggling loss to families? that smoking-relating illnesses cause.

Opposition Senate Leader passed around a picture of a diseased lung to highlight the damage that the habit does.

Even Works Minister ? who noted that he is the only member of the Upper House who smokes ? signalled his approval of the new law.

?I support the legislation even as a smoker although it won?t do much to help me quit as that?s something you have to do yourself,? he said.

?I?ve heard all the sermons from the mount but some people, despite all the ills of smoking, find that they like it. It?s as simple as that.?

However, Sen. Burch found himself the butt of humorous remarks from others around the table who urged him to kick his smoking habit.

Government Senate Leader said: ?I?d like to put the challenge out to the public that we want a one hundred percent non-smoking Senate.

?I want every person who sees Minister Burch smoking to harass him for it. I leave it up to you, Bermuda!?

With none of the Senators signalling opposition to the bill, it was passed as law without any amendment.