FILE — In this June 2, 2020 file photo, a demonstrator holds a placard during a protest against the tobacco ban outside parliament in Cape Town, South Africa. The country is one of just a few around the world to have banned tobacco sales during the pandemic and the only one to still have it in place.
South Africa is the only country in the world to have a ban on tobacco sales in place after India and Botswana lifted theirs. Cigarettes hidden in grocery bags are pushed across the counter at corner shops. Young men flash packs on sidewalks. A nod in their direction and even one cigarette to temporarily fend off withdrawal symptoms is available.
Mnguni said it was “nonsense” to think smokers would suddenly give up. He fears that smokers now familiar with bootleg sources may stick with them when the ban is lifted and illicit cigarettes are cheaper again.
For those not in SA, what it's done is opened up a whole new underground industry selling inferior brands at ludicrous prices. So for those applauding, do some research and you'll find it stinks.
I agree. Why don’t we rally together an on a date,mon 6 July at 10:00am at every Spar,checkers,PnP,BP,Shell, other cig sales outlet fill it with 50 of us,and demand to be sold 1 packet of smokes each! All print as many of the LFN communicae out to share and distribute on site.
fita_sa So much for the tobacco ban ...South Africa now 4th highest in the world for daily new confirmed cases
fita_sa To add to that it is not just tobacco products, they banned all vaping products as well, effectively removing a viable smoking cessation in the process. Zero fks given by our government.
This might be contributing to all of the abuse is going on over there during the shut down that’s been in the news.
fita_sa
Very good! Protect your people from the predatory tobacco industry! 🌺
santana_jewels Unusual?
tuckfhemann So where are they heading when smoking becomes a misdemeanor or criminal activity? Think of Prison and prisoner bonds. Bigger prisons creating jobs. Think of fines. Government generating income. Why was marijuana legalized only for tobacco to become illegal? Earnings potential?
fita_sa The black market is thriving under the laws created to oppress the South African public by its communistANC government. The courts found that the lockdown regulations are unconstitutional and illegal Disobey
'I know a guy...'
we are fully aware that its got nothing to do with our health here in SA. Who do you think runs the illegal cigarette trade? only a couple of clicks and you will get who is associated with whom
As cruel as it seems, I can see the logic. You inhale cigarettes directly into your lungs & COVID is a respiratory infection Its even worse if it’s coming in from the outside. The tobacco company lost *A LOT* of money from the ban, I think that’s why they’re taking them 2 court
A smoker with no cigarettes during a lockdown? Awesome way to drive smokers insane... and boost the black market. Its not 'unusual', just plain stupid.
There is a lot more money for officials when they can pocket the tax on the cigarettes too.. I bet they are sold in the same stores.... Cash only....
It's a good news for China, who is the big producer of cigarettes.
Grasies...
Seems the government of South Africa has never really improved. Nanny states are no fun.
As a former smoker who quit cold-turkey, I know it’d be terribly stressful to stop during a recession and pandemic at the order of the government. Some think it’s fun to bend others to their will, but it is sick. Your mental health matters.
Good Choice
In my restaurant in the early 90's it was completely normal to smoke inside. Sure there were non smoking sections, but that was just a vanity thing. Thinking back now it really is insane how normal smoking was and how much fresher and healthier everything smells now.
My word the entire country has gone Cold Turkey 3 Months with no Death Sticks all those People on the Hunt for a Ciggie!
Can you imagine is a ban was enforced in the States... Oh, the fiasco that would result! I do wonder if many will just end up quitting
Smokers unite, LOL. That's like saying alcoholics unite 😁👍
evewhite5500 Nicotine calms the cytokine storm
What could go wrong
Are they providing addicts w/nicotine patches or otherwise bc withdrawal from tobacco is pretty bad. I've seen my ex try to quit. It's not fun if smoking a pack a day or more. Same for alcoholics. You gotta provide medical treatment. Cold turkey will send ppl to hospitals.
Unreal.
Prohibition never works. A black market will open up. Addicts don’t canes about the law when it comes to getting their fix.
' Sorry dude, I have no Idea what you are talking about. All drugs should be free for anyone to take, but people should think better of themselves and the people around them and reject all drugs on rational principles. If you need drugs, you need help not a cage.' ~JMC
Unusual indeed.
So dumb
Wow
A new, large and profitable black market opens up.
They'll love the black market that will kick in.
And it isn’t working worstideaever government has lost revenue at a critical time and people due to criminal element now are being killed
What a joke. If they really cared about the youth they would require that each kid knows how to pack a dip by the end of grade 6.
Good. Stop polluting the environment and our lungs with that nasty stinky habit. Stop smoking.
I’m sure this will end well...
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