Smokers, and I suppose non-smokers, have until tomorrow to give comment on the ban against smoking in public places.
The aim of the Draft Tobacco Bill, which was released by the Department of Health, is to clamp down on what advertising may be used to promote tobacco products.
It also includes a zero-tolerance policy towards indoor smoking in public places, the removal of designated smoking areas, no more smoking outside in certain places, restrictions on the display of cigarettes in public and the removal of all signage on cigarette packaging.
If the Bill is passed, you may no longer smoke in a vehicle when an underage child is present or if you have a passenger. You may also not light up in any enclosed common areas. These restrictions will apply to electronic cigarettes, hookahs and pipes. If you are caught, you can face a fine or harsh jail time, depending on the severity of the offence. If you are caught smoking in banned areas, you will receive a fine or prison time for up to three months.
My first thought was, how will this be monitored? Smoking is bad for you, there is no question about it, but seriously? Should the focus not perhaps be on farm murders, animal abuse, women and child (and men) abuse, curbing road rage, enforcing the rules of the road and so on?
Imagine you go for a job interview and the potential employer asks if you have a criminal record and you have to disclose that you spend three months in jail to pay for your very unhealthy sin?
I have never been in jail (thank goodness) but I know that incarcerated people smoke too. Will they have to serve a longer sentence because they smoke? Will this Draft Tobacco Bill ensure that smokers become non-smokers?
I guess there is just no cure for stupidity.
I would like to hear from all our readers about this topic. Do you think this proposed new law will stop smokers from lighting up? Send your comments to roelienv@caxton.co.za
Until next week, take care of one another.
