The health committee in the South African parliament has approved tough new anti-smoking laws, paving the way for a ban on smoking in public and outlawing advertising and sponsorship by tobacco firms.

The Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill will now be considered by the National Assembly in early November Nov 5th where the ruling African National Congress ANC has a majority.

The bill will allow courts to impose fines or other punishments - including jail - for smoking at work or in other public places.

Opponents say they intend to challenge the legislation in the Constitutional Court.