South Africa's proposed new tobacco control law has sparked opposition from tobacco retailers

South Africa's proposed new tobacco control law has sparked opposition from tobacco retailers. The new Tobacco and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Control Act is currently open for public comment. The bill outlines new regulations and bans on smoking and e-cigarettes. It requires a ban on displaying tobacco products at retail outlets, even at dedicated tobacco retail stores. Products prohibited from display include cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, hookah pipes, and heated tobacco products.

According to a survey conducted by Clippa Sales and Casa Tabacs on over 200 South African tobacco retailers, the new bill has faced "overwhelming opposition." These retailers own 1,769 stores and employ 3,194 staff. The survey found that 98% of respondents disagreed with the ban on display, while 99.5% said it would seriously impact their business, putting thousands of jobs at risk.

The new legislation stipulates a 10-year prison sentence or fine for displaying a single pack of cigarettes at a counter. This punishment was deemed inappropriate by 99.5% of those surveyed.

The proposed law aims to reduce smoking rates in South Africa, where 16% of the adult population smoke. It has been backed by the World Health Organization as an essential step towards reducing the impact of tobacco on public health.

However, tobacco retailers argue that the new law will negatively impact their livelihoods. They also claim the new rules are impractical, as they will lead to underground sales, making tobacco more accessible to young people.

Ultimately, it will be up to the South African government to weigh the competing concerns and decide whether to move forward with the new law. As with any major policy change, there are likely to be different perspectives and trade-offs that need to be evaluated before a final decision is made.

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