Tobacco giant takes legal action as ban continues in level 3 lockdown

FOR British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA), the freedoms of level 3 lockdown are merely ‘blowing smoke’ as the ban on tobacco continues.

The tobacco giant is taking urgent legal action to challenge the ongoing ban which has crippled the industry.

BATSA was the largest tobacco manufacturer in the country prior to lockdown, said  BATSA’s Head of External Affairs, Johnny Moloto.

“The government’s continued ban on legal tobacco sales is threatening the survival of the legal tobacco sector and the livelihoods it directly supports. It has only succeeded in significantly growing a massive and nationwide illegal industry at the direct expense of law-abiding businesses, citizens and tax payers,” he added.

Also read: Tobacco giant drops legal action against government

Moloto questioned why tobacco products would be banned in level 3 while other banned products become available.

“Government has decided to maintain the ban on tobacco products under the guise of limiting the spread of  Covid-19 virus while allowing all other previously banned consumer products to go back on sale. Given the situation, and the lack of response from the government despite our ongoing efforts to engage with them, we are now commencing urgent legal proceedings,” he said.

He added that BATSA is supported by Japan Tobacco International as well as tobacco consumers, farmers and retailers across South Africa.

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