Court battle over cigarette ban continues

IN an ongoing court application the Fair-Trade Independant Tobacco Association (FITA) is challenging the ban on manufacturing and selling cigarettes in the country.

‘Part A’ of their two-pronged application challenged tobacco manufacture.

In a statement, FITA chairperson, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni said an agreement was reached after several court processes last week.

“The manufacture of tobacco products is permitted, up to 30 per cent employment, in terms of part C(9) of Table 1 to the regulations; All manufacturing and transport of tobacco products will need to be performed under strict adherence to health protocols,” he said.

Also read: Cigarette ban decision not taken lightly, President Ramaphosa

The association will continue to pursue part B of their application, said Mnguni.

“Despite the foregoing concessions, we will now turn our focus to the relief sought in part B of our application, including confirmation by a court of law that the sale of tobacco products and cigarettes is lawful under the lockdown regulations,” said Mnguni.

Also read: Tobacco giant drops legal action against government

“The public at large must be mindful of the fact that a number of documents need to be exchanged prior to the matter being ventilated in court. We have full confidence in our legal system, and we are of the view that once this matter is properly ventilated, a just outcome will result. We will therefore relentlessly pursue part B of our application. We wish to again thank the many South Africans who have wished us well and continue to support our cause,” added Mnguni.

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