Photo: Pixabay
Photo: Pixabay
Update: British American Tobacco has revealed that the court date has been pushed back to Wednesday, 5 August. Read more on the latest developments here.
After a week of deadlocks and delays, we’ve finally had confirmation that British American Tobacco (BAT) will take the government to court over the controversial cigarette ban, eight days after they were initially scheduled to duel it out in the dock. “Scheduling complications” have been blamed for the hold-ups.
Cigarette ban: When will the BAT case be heard in court?
Earlier today, we were informed that pro-tobacco campaigners were hoping to submit a new opinion poll to help convince the court to lift the cigarette ban. BAT is also, reportedly, taking orders from suppliers who want to stock-up on cigarettes. We expect more information on these developments to be published soon.
The matter will now be heard on Tuesday 30 June. In a statement sent to thesouthafrican.com, BAT claim that the courts and the opposition have all agreed that there is an ‘urgent need’ to resolve the matter.
“Following instructions from the Judge President of the Western Cape High Court on Tuesday 23 June 2020 British American Tobacco South Africa (BAT South Africa) agreed with the State Attorney that its application to set aside the ban on the sale of tobacco products is to be heard on Tuesday 30 June.”
“The initial date of Monday 22 June could not be accommodated because of scheduling complications. BAT South Africa subsequently submitted its replying affidavit yesterday on Wednesday 24 June 2020. All parties agree on the urgency of the matter and are eager to have it heard as soon as possible.”
BAT statement
Government set for showdown with British American Tobacco
Here’s what we know about the case so far, as per the legal papers shared earlier:
- The Cape Town High Court (Western Cape Division) will host the proceedings.
- Ten applicants – led by British American Tobacco – will bring their legal case forward on Tuesday
- Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Cyril Ramaphosa and the National Coronavirus Command Council have all been named as respondents in the lawsuit. They will have to send legal representation to court.
When will the cigarette ban be lifted?
One way or another, it seems the uncertainty over the cigarette ban may be settled at some point next week. But smokers will, of course, be once bitten and twice shy over the promise of a speedy resolution.
The case contested by the Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association (Fita) was also designated ‘an urgent matter’, but more than two weeks after their court appeal was adjourned, there’s been no sign of a final verdict.
#CigaretteBan No judgement as yet from the Gauteng North High Court. And this application is expected to be heard in the Western Cape Division (Cape Town High Court) early next week. pic.twitter.com/Bt32ej57o7
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) June 25, 2020
