"Calls mount for government to scrap proposed new tobacco laws"

The National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nafcoc) has joined the growing chorus of calls for government to scap its proposed new tobacco laws. Several lobby groups and business organisations have already warned that the Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill will hurt the economy and lead to job losses. The bill seeks to, among other measures, control and ban smoking in public areas, limit the display of tobacco products at point of sale, and introduce plain packaging of tobacco products. The Department of Health says stricter tobacco laws will further reduce tobacco use and prevent millions of people dying from tobacco related illnesses such as heart attacks and strokes...

Nafcoc, which seeks to promote and encourage the development of small businesses, said the bill, particularly the introduction of plain packaging, seems to be in direct conflict with SA’s competition policy. "We are also concerned about potential damage to the economy by the proposed bill, such as reducing free and fair competition," said Nafcoc president Lawrence Mavundla.