Smokers who pop outside for a cigarette could still find themselves running foul of the law under new legislation being planned by the South African government, officials said on Wednesday.
A Bill drafted by the ministry of health is looking to introduce a new offence of smoking outdoors within a prescribed distance from a window, ventilation outlet, doorway or entrance to a public place, and proposes a fine of R200.
It also bans smoking in a private dwelling used for commercial child-care activity, schooling or tutoring.
South Africa already has wide-ranging legislation banning smoking inside public buildings and parts of restaurants, but the stated aim of the new amendment Bill is designed to tighten up loopholes.
”These loopholes are exploited by the tobacco industry and make prosecutions for contraventions … very difficult,” according to an explanatory memorandum.
Employers who fail to protect non-smokers in the workplace would be liable for a fine of up to R100 000, a ten-fold increase on the previous penalty.
The amendment Bill needs to be debated and approved by Parliament before being signed into law by the president. — AFP
