Smokers in SA face new restrictions – including a ‘public cigarette ban’

Cabinet is prepared to table its new Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, which is likely to dramatically change things for smokers in South Africa. As well as extending its reach to the vaping industry, the threat of a ‘public cigarette ban’ also looms large.

The new Control of Tobacco Bill explained

Back in May – and during the middle of 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’s since been reported that the Bill will be sent forward for processing ‘before the end of the year’, 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’.

Tobacco industry ‘set for tighter regulations’

These proposals do enjoy support from key stakeholders. Earlier this month, The Vapour Products Association of South Africa’s (VPASA) stated that, contrary to popular belief, the industry welcomes the introduction of regulatory frameworks:

“VPASA’s second successful diginar in its Vaping Conversations series ended in consensus – that governments, including South Africa’s, should regulate vaping – and that these laws should be grounded in a risk-based approach which ensures users are both educated and informed. All decisions must be based on the latest available scientific data.”

VPASA statement

How would a ‘public cigarette ban’ work?

However, the government may have a tougher time pushing their new public cigarette ban, as smokers are still smarting from the five-month prohibition period for tobacco, which took place during lockdown. According to the Control of Tobacco Bill, smoking ‘should be prohibited in any public space’ – including bars, restaurants, and outdoor locations.

This would subject cigarettes to similar laws implemented for the smoking of dagga, which is allowed in private pursuits only. There’s a battle looming ahead for the tobacco industry, who could even lock horns with the government once more.