The Associated Press

Canadian smokers who think their country's anti-tobacco laws are tough might want to cast a glance at the tiny South Pacific island of Niue.

The island's top health official says he aims to see Niue become the world's first totally smoke-free state.

Dr. Sitaleki Finau says legislation has been drafted that would outlaw all tobacco sales and ban smoking in private homes as well as all public areas. Finau admits the bill faces a tough struggle.

Tobacco makers and other commercial interests are lining up against the measure.

The government also faces the loss of tobacco tax revenue, though Finau says that would be more than offset by reduced health costs.

He says the government also has to consider whether it is trampling on smokers' rights.

The 260-square-kilometre island 2,400 kilometres northeast of New Zealand has about 250 smokers among its population of 1,300.