New smoking law will come down hard on smokers

Thousands of smokers who regularly attend pubs and clubs might just as well begin learning to do without their cigarettes, pipes and cigars. If they do not and they ignore the proposed Tobacco Control Act when it becomes law later this month, they could face huge fines. It has been proposed that first time offenders be fined 20-thousand rands. Should they be caught lighting up in indoor public places, the owner of the establishment will also be fined. The penalty for subsequent offences could be as much as 100-thousand rands. However, South Africans appear to be tossing the habit and the Department of Health says it is happy with the high level of compliance amongst smokers so far.