Tobacco display restrictions ‘absurd’

Alan Phillips from Sturk's Tobacconists in Cape Town. Photo: Tracey Adams

Alan Phillips from Sturk's Tobacconists in Cape Town. Photo: Tracey Adams

Published Oct 8, 2015

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Cape Town - Sturk’s Tobacconists’ owner Allan Phillips has called on Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi to exempt tobacconists from the proposed tobacco regulations.

But the Health Department says public participation processes were conducted and that there would be no exemption for tobacconists.

The regulations will restrict the display of all tobacco and related products at the point of sale to 4m².

Phillips said the regulations were absurd and would not stop people from smoking.

He runs the oldest specialist tobacconist store in Cape Town as the shop was open for business on Greenmarket Square in August 1793.

The tobacco regulations were published in August 2012, but are not yet in force, and failure to comply could result in a fine of up to R1 million.

“Obviously, this has broader negative economic impacts beyond my small business,” said Phillips, citing the request for exemption.

Phillips said he was proud of his extensive and rare pipe collection, but doubts there would be space for them under the new regulations. “The display restrictions simply don’t make sense for tobacconists.”

But Health Department spokesperson Joe Maila said the regulations were not about individuals, but the harm tobacco posed.

Maila said the intention behind the regulations was to stop impulse purchases by consumers, to prevent the triggering of cravings in ex-smokers and to ensure young people did not start smoking.

“There was an opportunity for people to comment because when regulations are made, the public is informed and processes are followed for public participation purposes.”

Fred Josephs, a shop owner in Long Street, said the regulations meant business would be unusual because he gets a quarter of his profits from selling tobacco.

“These regulations are bad for business because showing the products means the customers could have interest,” he said, adding there would be no point to extend his shop due to the regulations.

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@PhalisoSandiso

Cape Times

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