Warning over new smoking laws for South Africa
December 04, 2023 by businesstech.co.za
Warning over new smoking laws for South Africa
Gauteng residents are divided on the hotly contested draft Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, with businesses warning that implementing the new laws will have negative consequences for the country’s township economy. The Portfolio Committee on Health recently held three public hearings over the Bill in Gauteng, and much like the public engagement in Limpopo, the North West, and Mpumulanga, there was support and rejection of the Bill. The Bill broadly aims to introduce the following:
- Declare indoor public places and certain outdoor areas 100% smoke-free.
- Ban the sale of cigarettes through vending machines. [...]
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
