The Minister was referring to the smoking ban introduced by government earlier this year at a press conference marking what the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared as World No Tobacco Day.

Regarding the temporary halt on the introduction of the ban in certain entertainment establishments, he said the committee set up to discuss the issue had drafted a number of proposals that should be finalised in the next two weeks and presented to government for review.

The minister announced the winners of the Ieqaf pejjep u Irbah, (Stop smoking and Win) 2004 competition that had attracted a record 1,035 participants.

The competition followed a nation-wide advertising campaign by the Health Promotion Department encouraging smokers to stop smoking in the month of May.

The applicants had to be over 18 years old and smokers for at least a year. Those who were proved through a medical test to have remained cigarette-free took part in a lottery.

The winner of the first prize, Mr Joseph Farrugia from Gudia, a smoker for 37 years, won a brand new Volkswagen Polo.

He will also take part in an international lottery in which he could win a further $2,500.

Dr Deguara praised Mr Farrugia’s efforts saying that his biggest winner was his health. Dr Deguara quoted from a report the WHO had carried out, indicating that over 340 people died in Malta each year directly from smoking.

The study also shows that people with a lower level of education were most likely to be smokers. For this reason, Dr Deguara said, campaigns must be addressed at this sector of society.

Anyone wanting help from the department can contact the Quitline advertised on billboards on 2123-1247.