More stringent tobacco law

By Tarryn Le Chat
14 September 2006

South Africa is one step closer to tightening up its already stringent smoking laws which department officials say will come close to criminalising smokers.

The Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill was tabled in parliament yesterday and is likely to be on the books by the end of the year.

The bill also provides for penalties for those failing to protect employees from tobacco smoke pollution, for selling tobacco products in a health institution and for retailers not complying with point of sale conditions.

The fine for the owner of a public place or employer who failed too ensure no smoking in smoke free areas had been increased from R200 to a minimum of R20 000.

Individuals will be fined a minimum of R300 if caught smoking in a non-smoking area.