If you are not aware that South Africa instilled new laws regarding smoking in 2019, here is your update.

NEW SMOKING LAWS IN SOUTH AFRICA

If you are not aware that South Africa instilled new laws regarding smoking in 2019, here is your update.

The Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Draft Bill, sanctioned by the World Health Organisation aims to ban smoking in all public spaces, to control electronic smoking and remove branding from cigarettes packs. The proposals which was first raised in 2015 has collected important public interest, proposing a number of new and strict smoking laws which includes:

·        Banning outdoor smoking in public places

·        Smokers should at least stand 10 metres away from public entrances, when smoking outside.

·        Zero-tolerance policy on indoor smoking in public places

·        Removing designated smoking areas in restaurants.

·        The removal of all signage on cigarette packaging aside from the brand name and warning stickers.

·        And cigarettes may no longer be publicly displayed by retailers.

The new laws up for consideration is being brought back to the forefront of international tobacco control best practise with the latest publishing of The Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, and will be up for public comment until August 9. The main focusof the new Bill is the prohibition of smoking a tobacco product in all enclosed public spaces, public transport, spaces where children are present, workplaces and any places used for commercial activities that may propose health risks.

What are your thoughts on this Bill?

Will it affect your daily life?

What are your thoughts on smoking in public spaces?

Let us know on bushradionews@googlemail.com

Done by Jasmine Johnson-Mazwi

News Editor