New smoking laws for South Africa – a job-killer in plain packaging
September 19, 2023 by businesstech.co.za
New smoking laws for South Africa – a job-killer in plain packaging
The Portfolio Committee on Health has conducted more public hearings on the new Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, with participants expressing mixed views. The new Bill has been met with both support and vehement opposition, depending on the clauses being focused on. Broadly, the bill aims to introduce the following:
- Indoor public places and certain outdoor areas will be determined to be 100% smoke-free.
- Ban the sale of cigarettes through vending machines.
- Plain packaging with graphic health warnings and pictorials.
- Ban on display at point-of-sale; and
- The regulation and control of electronic nicotine delivery systems and non-nicotine delivery systems.
20.20% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 8.3 million current smokers in South Africa 34.60% of men are current smokers but only 6.50% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
