Total South Africa has issued a warning to its dealers nationwide over the sale of loose cigarettes, telling them they could face heavy penalties.
The crackdown follows a complaint from the Tobacco Control Board (TCB), an anti-smoking pressure group.
The Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act bans the sale of any tobacco product not ”in a package” with the mandatory health warning and tar and nicotine content. The maximum fine for contravening this section is R200 000 or a jail sentence.
In a circular to 175 Total dealers, operations manager for convenience stores Benedict Matinise reminded them that selling loose cigarettes is against the law.
”We therefore request all those who are currently selling loose cigarettes to desist from this practice with immediate effect.
”Total South Africa will not be responsible for any action by dealers who are not complying with the relevant legislation,” he said.
TCB spokesperson Ken Sheppard said his organisation approached Total after a member of the public reported that the shop at a service station in Langebaan on the West Coast was selling single cigarettes from a container on the counter.
He welcomed the swift response by Total management.
”We are already involved in one prosecution under this section of the Act, and we will have no hesitation in pursuing others,” he said.
Staff at an Engen service station in Cape Town said on Wednesday they had removed a vending machine that sold single cigarettes after being warned by the TCB that it was illegal.
The Health Ministry this week confirmed it intends to push for amendments to tobacco legislation to increase the size of health warnings on cigarette packets, and include pictures, as well as to raise the minimum age for cigarette sales from 16 to 18. — Sapa