With only one day left for the public to comment on the new Draft Tobacco Control Bill, some Stellenbosch pubs have already decided to slowly start implementing stronger smoking laws.
A screenshot of the Draft Tobacco Control Bill issued by the Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi on 8 May 2018. PHOTO: Screenshot/Government Gazette
Here is what your local hangouts had to say:
According to the Tobacco Atlas, released by American Cancer Society (ACS) and Vital Strategies, there have been 42 181 tobacco-related deaths in South Africa over the last year. The Atlas also states that more than 55 000 children between the ages of 10 and 14, and 6 321 000 “adults” (aged 15+) use tobacco each day.
A screenshot of the Tobacco Atlas report shows where new laws should be implemented to create a public space where “complete smoke-free areas will be the best practice”. PHOTO: Screenshot/Tobacco Atlas Report.
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) recently started the petition campaign, #HandsOffMyChoices , to get South African smokers to stand up against the passing of the new Tobacco Bill.
According to the campaign’s website, the new Tobacco Bill is “imposing a number of highly restrictive regulations that threaten your freedom of choice”. The website further states that these possible new tobacco laws might only be the “first step[s] in a long race toward becoming a nanny state”.
Posters and flyers of the petition can be seen in some pubs around town, including The Happy Oak on Andringa street and Bossa Café at the Paradyskloof centre.
A screenshot of the JTI #HandsOffMyChoices website shows the negative impact that the new Tobacco Control Bill might have if implemented. PHOTO: Screenshot/handsoffmychoices.co.za
E-cigarettes, vaporisers and all other nicotine dispensing devices will be included in legislation if the new Bill is passed.
If the Draft Tobacco Control Bill is passed, these are some of the laws that might be implemented. PHOTO: Infogram