South African Bill Seeks to Limit Smoking and Vaping In Country

For smokers living in South Africa, new laws could making enjoying various tobacco products a bit more difficult. The South African government is looking to impose strict new laws that would ban outdoor smoking in public places, restrict where smokers are allowed to smoke when smoking outside, removing signage on cigarette packing with the exception of brand name and warning sticker and much more.

Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, South Africa’s Minister of Health, has expressed is dislike of the the tobacco industry at large, making this new law come off as a direct attack on the industry. For now, the Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill is open for public review. Groups like the Free Market Foundation (FMF) have opposed the bill, saying that the new strict laws violate adult’s freedom of choice, even though the government does have the right to inform and educate its citizens about the health dangers associated with smoking. They also argue that these laws will have a negative impact on small businesses.

Vaping manufacturers are concerned about the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill because if passed it will place vaping products in the same category as other tobacco products, something many vaping advocates are strongly against. The Vapor Product Association of South Africa (VPA) has called this grouping of products wrong and that vape products should be treated as a different category. The VPA says that regulations are needed that ensure customers only 18 years and above are buying vaping products.

You can read a full draft of the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill by clicking here.