Smoking ban cigarettes

Photo: Pixabay

SA faces ‘total public smoking ban’ – as strict anti-tobacco laws draw closer

A year after cigarettes were completely prohibited in South Africa, the Health Department has confirmed that a ‘public smoking ban’ is in the pipeline.

Smoking ban cigarettes

Photo: Pixabay

Officials from the Health Department have signalled that smokers could be in for a rough ride yet again in 2021 – as highly restrictive anti-tobacco laws take a step closer to gaining approval. The contentious proposals would severely limit where cigarettes can be advertised and sold – and they also feature plans for a ‘total ban on public smoking’.

Smoking in public ‘may face a blanket ban’ in South Africa

Back in May 2020 – and during the middle of a controversial nationwide cigarette ban – Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla confirmed that several alterations would be made so the government could better regulate the tobacco industry. It has since been reported that a new Bill has been sent forward for processing, and covers the following:

  • – The Bill aims to bring e-cigarettes and vaping accessories under stricter regulations.
  • – It wants to limit the use, marketing, and sales of certain tobacco products in South Africa.
  • – What is more, this Bill gives provision to the government to implement their ‘100% public cigarette ban’.

Cigarettes, tobacco products facing ‘legislative curbs’

However, progress on implementing the Bill – on the table since 2018 – remains painfully slow. The delays have given smokers something of a ‘stay of execution’, but that could all change in the near future. The Health Department’s Lynn Moeng has told EWN that sweeping restrictions on cigarette usage in Mzansi ‘are now being finalised’.

“We are now finalising the process and once we have done that before it even gets to Cabinet, it needs to be approved by a few technical committees. We are in the process where we’ll now be able to submit to the various committees.”

WHERE SMOKING COULD SOON BE BANNED IN SOUTH AFRICA

We’re talking restaurants, bars, and communal areas where South Africans like to spark up. But it isn’t just public spaces that have come under fire. The framework set out by the Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill would also look to make smoking a criminal offence in private places, such as:

  • – Enclosed common areas of multi-unit residence. Flats and apartments, for example.
  • – A private home or dwelling which is used for childcare, employment or schooling purposes.
  • – Any indoor space which is within “a reasonable distance” of a strict non-smoking premises.
  • – Any motor vehicle which is carrying a child aged 18 or under, or with more than one person in the car.