Cigarette association to approach courts over reinstatement of ban on smokes

The association had earlier suspended its intended legal action after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the sale of cigarettes would be allowed under level four of the lockdown.  

But the government has since backtracked, with Cooperative Governance Minister Nkosazana-Dlamini-Zuma saying on Wednesday that the sale of cigarettes would not be allowed.

Fita chairperson Sinenhanhla Mnguni says the about-turn has caught them by surprise, as they had already received communication from the state attorney acting, on behalf of the presidency, that the ban would be lifted.

The association, therefore, has been left with no choice but to approach the courts.

"It is quite baffling to us to think what has changed between the announcement made by President Ramaphosa and the minister. Surely the announcement by president was based on a thoroughly thought-out basis?” asks Mnguni.

He adds that there is no rational reason for government to ban the sale of cigarettes.

"Illegal cigarettes are flowing into the country's borders and the money is lost. Lifting the ban would save jobs and bring more money into the state coffers.”

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