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The Government’s new tobacco laws which include banning all indoor smoking, the removal of closed off indoor smoking sections, and the introduction of outdoor smoking restrictions are a disaster which will destroy taverns and related small businesses in townships. Despite promises to do so, the Government has not yet consulted with township businesses and tavern owners.
This is according Winston Hector, President of the Eastern Cape Liquor Forum, whose members have submitted a petition to the Minister of Health raising their concerns. (Please see the text of the petition below.)
The Forum represents 20 associations and a membership that includes over 3000 licensed on-consumption taverns in the Eastern Cape Province. These businesses each employ about 8 people, many of whom are family members. In addition, many informal traders set up food and other stalls outside the taverns, and these traders employ a number of people as well.
Hector says, “Our taverners are self-employed and create thousands of jobs, which are desperately needed in our historically disadvantaged areas. They are an empowerment success story, being second to the SA taxi industry in terms of numbers of Black Owned businesses. They are also small businesses, which President Ramaphosa has called out as being key to the country’s economic growth. For these reasons, it is very important to ensure that new laws which may threaten or damage this sector and jobs aren’t introduced without proper consultation or consideration of the significant impact they will have on these businesses.”
Hector explains that while the proposed law is well intentioned it fails to take account of township realities.
“We are very concerned about the removal of closed off indoor smoking areas. These are an important facility for our patrons and many of them have invested significant sums to ensure these facilities are installed so as not to be on the wrong side of the law. These smoking areas are the perfect solution as it protects both smokers and non-smokers. We want the rules for designated indoor smoking areas to be included. We also understand the new law has proposed smoking only be allowed 10 metres from a window, entrance or walkway. In most townships every window, entrance or walkway is less than 10 metres away from the next window, entrance or walkway. This is another example of a Government which is out of touch with the lives of its people.”
Hector says it seems as if the Government’s proposal was designed without any recognition of the reality of township life.
He says they understand Government’s concerns around smoking but these proposed measures are not the solution. “There is nothing wrong with the current laws. Why mess with something if it works?”
PETITION: DRAFT CONTROL OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND ELECTRONIC DELIVERY SYSTEMS BILL
The Eastern Cape Liquor Forum held a Provincial Council meeting on 16 May 2018 in King Williamstown. The meeting comprised delegates from XX. Our members employ thousands of people in one of the most economically depressed areas of the country, providing them with an income to feed and clothe their families and educate their children. These are people who would otherwise have no means of income, formal or informal. We operate well-run, well-regulated and compliant businesses and contribute significantly to the economy of South Africa.
At our meeting, we discussed the likely implications of the draft Control of Tobacco Products and Delivery Systems Bill on our businesses. While we will also be making a formal submission to the Department, detailing our specific concerns with the new Bill, we are deeply worried that our sector and community, as directly affected parties, have not asked to be part of Government’s Socio Economic Impact Assessment, prior to the development of legislation.
The trading in illicit cigarettes is rife all across our country. We believe that Govt should fix the illicit trade first before even considering further extreme legislation, which will exacerbate the illicit trade and have no success in reducing consumption of tobacco.
We reject the Bill on the grounds that the Department of Health has failed to consult us prior to publishing the bill and further that the provisions of the Bill will have a disastrous effect on our members and their ability to sustain their livelihoods. Had we been consulted before, we could have advised that many clauses in the bill is simply not workable.
To this end, please find attached names and accompanying signatures of our membership.
Sincerely
Mr Winston Hector
President: Eastern Cape Liquor Forum
National Convenor: National Liquor Forum
Issued by The Eastern Cape Liquor Forum
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