Note on pending Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill

Note on pending Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill

14 July 2017

I would like to bring to your attention that the content of a draft tobacco products control amendment bill (‘draft bill’) was approved by the National Health Council’s Technical Committee on 8 June 2017. This draft bill could therefore be published before the end of the year for public comment.

We have not yet seen the content of the draft bill, but from statements made in the media by the Minister of Health over the past two to three years, it appears that he wishes to ban smoking in public places, ban the display of tobacco products, ban the use of vending machines, introduce plain packaging of tobacco products and regulate e-cigarettes.

If these legislative proposals are enacted, it will have a profound impact on a wide range of stakeholders, including hospitality establishments.

According to timelines reflected in the Department of Health’s Annual Performance Plan, the Department would want the bill enacted by 2018/2019 and regulations gazetted by 2019/2020.

We will keep you informed of developments in order to give you an opportunity to participate in the legislative process.