Smoking laws 'too strict'
2004-06-25 09:22
Cape Town - A total of 39% of smokers and non-smokers who took part in a poll initiated by the Tobacco Institute of South Africa (Tisa) are of the opinion that the current smoking laws are too strict. Another 48% believe it is sufficient.
Planned amendments will probably make it even more prohibitive.
Tisa found that an estimated one in four adults in South Africa smokes.
The poll showed that 70% of the respondents were in favour of designated smoking areas at their place of work, while 68% were opposed to people smoking at the entrances to buildings.
One fifth of participants indicated that they did not care whether people smoked in restaurants, 58% were satisfied with smoking and non-smoking areas and 19% preferred restaurants where no smoking was allowed.
Tisa said sufficient provision must be made for smokers and non-smokers in public places.
The tobacco industry does not advocate that people can smoke where they want to, but that the rights of the smoker should also be taken into account.
Tisa CEO Francois van der Merwe said "the suggestions in the amended act go too far. The ridiculous fine of R20 000 for a first offender who smokes in a public place is extreme.
"Smoking laws must be practical, possible to implement and fair towards smokers and non-smokers."
The tobacco industry directly employs 23 582 people, not including about 115 000 formal and informal traders.
About 100 000 people are directly dependent on the tobacco industry for their livelihood, Tisa said.