While the vote allows the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill to proceed to detailed consideration, MPs warned that its final form must address concerns raised during public hearings, including product differentiation, penalties, illicit trade, enforcement and the impact on businesses and consumers.
The Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill received majority support from the Health Portfolio committee on Wednesday afternoon, but MPs warned that its final version must undergo significant changes before becoming law.
Ten votes from the ANC, DA, ActionSA, EFF and MK Party voted in favour of the desirability of the Bill, while the Freedom Front Plus was the only party to vote against the motion.
While the vote allows the Bill to proceed to detailed consideration, MPs warned that its final form must address concerns raised during public hearings, including product differentiation, penalties, illicit trade, enforcement and the impact on businesses and consumers.
In its current form Bill seeks to tighten regulations on smoking and vaping by banning indoor smoking and vaping in public spaces, enforcing plain packaging with graphic health warnings, removing all retail product displays, and prohibiting advertising, sponsorships, and promotion of tobacco and e-cigarette products. It also restricts sales through vending machines, including at certain private spaces where children or non-smokers are present, while treating vaping products the same as traditional cigarettes. Proposed penalties include lengthy jail terms.
