South Africa - tobacco control legislation signed into law..

September 2, 2009 - Cape Town - Two pieces of legislation that dramatically increase smoking fines and crack down on tobacco companies have been signed into law, the South Africa's National Council Against Smoking said on Monday, September 1st. (22% of South Africans smoke)

The acts also make it illegal for adults to smoke in a car where there is a child under 12, and pave the way for picture warnings such as diseased lungs on cigarette packs. "The new laws will have dramatic, important and far-ranging effects on public health and the tobacco industry's marketing activities," said council director Yussuf Saloojee (The Quest for a Tobacco-Free Africa by Yussuf Saloojee..)

The acts were passed by Parliament in 2007 and 2008. Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act 23 of 2007 and Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act 63 of 2008.

Saloojee said fines for smoking or allowing smoking in a non-smoking area increased with immediate effect. Illegal in public places - the fine for the owner of a restaurant, pub, bar or workplace that breached the smoking laws was now a maximum of R50 000 (6,384.56USD), and for the individual smoker R500 (63.84USD).

Smoking was now illegal in "partially enclosed" public places such as covered patios, verandas, balconies, walkways and parking areas. Nor was it allowed on premises, including private homes that are used for commercial childcare activities, or for schooling or tutoring.

The tobacco industry was no longer permitted to hold "parties" or use "viral" marketing to target young people. Although tobacco advertising was banned in 2000, the cigarette companies found other ways to promote cigarettes. It used the Internet, SMS and '"buzz" or "viral" marketing to get its messages to teenagers. In viral marketing, cigarette company reps go with a trunk-full of cigarettes to clubs, discos, coffee bars, college campuses and invite teens to parties, pop concerts or a major sporting event, at which they are lured into smoking.

The sale of tobacco products to and by people under 18 years was prohibited, as was the sale of confectionery or toys resembling tobacco products.

The use of picture-based health warnings on tobacco packaging would come into effect only later this year, because the health ministry was still finalising regulations.

Cigarette vending machines must sell tobacco products exclusively and cannot be used to sell other products like crisps and chocolates. The vending machines can only be located in areas to which minors do not have access.

Also in the pipeline were rules to keep smoking away from entrances to buildings, and restrict it in sports stadiums, railway platforms, bus stops and outdoor dining areas.

Saloojee said tobacco killed 44,000 South Africans every year, three times more than vehicle accidents. "Our efforts to reduce the death toll will be helped by the new legislation," he said. Prevalence of adult smoking in South Africa had fallen by a third in the past decade, from 32% in 1995 to 22% in 2006. Four out of five people (78% adults) did not smoke and did not want to be exposed to tobacco smoke in public places.

Reference: Tobacco acts signed into law, South African Press Association, News24.com, 8/31/2009; South Africa: Govt Tightens Tobacco Laws Further, Lungi Langa,allAfrica.com, 9/1/2009.

South Africa related: South Africa - survey of youngsters smoking and drinking hablits..; Reynolds Tobacco is now providing coupons for a free can of Camel SNUS; British American Tobacco (BAT) - 100 years in Africa..; BAT Marketing Tobacco Products Using Text Messaging...

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