From Saturday it was illegal to smoke in any public place, including all state institutions, restaurants, schools, libraries, hospitals, airports, train stations and all forms of public transport.

Restaurants, bars, and other places of entertainment can, if they choose, provide a space for smokers. But such a space must occupy no more than 25 per cent of their total area, clearly marked as a smoking area, and separated by walls from the non-smoking areas.

The new regulations also effectively outlaw all advertising for tobacco, not only on radio and television but also on the covers of publications, billboards and posters, and on the walls of any public places.

All cigarette packets must now carry ample, clear, visible and legible health warnings, occupying at least 30 per cent of the front of the packet and 25 per cent of the back and must be printed in Mozambique's official language, Portuguese.

The sale of tobacco products to people under 18 is banned, and any establishment with cigarette vending machines must ensure that they are not operated by minors. All places that sell cigarettes must display a prominent sign that under-18s may not buy them. In case of doubt, the shop owner or assistant must demand proof that the buyer is over 18.

The spokesperson for the Health Ministry, Martinho Dgedge regarded the new regulations as a first step to defend the public from the effects of tobacco. He said the Ministry has also submitted to the Cabinet a proposal to ratify the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention for Tobacco Control.