As part of the anti-tobacco campaign month which culminates in World No Tobacco Day tomorrow, 31 May 2016, staff in the eight health sub-districts have been visiting schools and other places of interest to highlight the dangers of smoking. 

The awareness sessions, hosted under the theme ‘Smoking: cool or not?’ have included educating children on the impact of smoking and passive smoking on health, but also tackling issues around peer pressure which often leads children to attempt smoking in the first place. Owners of entertainment venues, restaurants and even tuck shops have been targeted to ensure that they are familiar with the law and complying with the provisions of the Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act.

‘There are many stories of smokers who’ve tried quitting, but have failed. There are also success stories, but the consensus is that quitting is hard. So we’re focusing our attention on the smokers of tomorrow and trying to get them to stop before they start. It’s challenging, especially considering the reality that is peer pressure. Also, it doesn’t help that cigarettes are still freely available to children, even though it’s against the law,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Health, Councillor Siyabulela Mamkeli.

The Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act has a number of stipulations pertaining to children, including that:

no person may smoke in any motor vehicle when a child under the age of 12 years is present in that vehicle

no person may smoke any tobacco product in a private dwelling if that private dwelling is used for any commercial childcare activity, or for schooling or tutoring

children under 18 years are not allowed in designated smoking areas

no person shall sell or supply any tobacco product to any person under the age of 18 years

no person may sell or supply any confectionary or toy that resembles or is intended to represent any tobacco product

In terms of adherence to regulations governing smoking, City Health receives an average of eight complaints from the public every month.

‘This number is very low when looking at the many anecdotes about inconsiderate smokers. I wonder whether it’s a case of the public simply not knowing or caring enough about the issue to log complaints. We have, however, seen an increase in the number of enquiries about e-cigarettes, especially from businesses that are not sure how to regulate the use of these devices. We are still awaiting an instruction from the National Health Department who is responsible for smoking legislation and any amendments to it,’ added Councillor Mamkeli.

There is no reference in current tobacco control legislation on e-cigarettes and also no policy regarding the smoking thereof in public places, mainly due to the fact that the substance being smoked with these devices is not a tobacco product.

Complaints can be reported to the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089 or the nearest police station.