BAT says draft laws to regulate tobacco sales, vapes will 'collapse' industry, hand it over to criminals

CAPE TOWN - Cigarette manufacturer British American Tobacco (BAT) said draft legislation to regulate the sale of tobacco and vaping products would collapse the industry and hand it over to criminals.

BAT issued the warning during public hearings in Parliament on Tuesday on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, which is still under consideration.

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But an organisation representing the pharmaceutical industry welcomed the bill, saying the use of vaping devices, mostly by the youth, should be regulated.

BAT’s head of corporate and regulatory affairs, Johnny Moloto, said while the intention to reduce smoking was a good one, the bill would do the opposite and see an increase in smoking.

Moloto said smokers would rather opt for cheaper illicit cigarettes, which ultimately benefit the illicit industry because the legislation only targeted 25% of the industry that was compliant.

"We believe it will collapse the remaining industry, inflict devastating economic damage and undermine good governance. Ultimately, it will hand the entire market to criminals on a platter."

But Independent Community Pharmacy Association (ICPA) CEO Jackie Maimin welcomed the legislation and called for tougher regulations on vaping devices, which are popular with the youth.

"We really need to regulate this market. Bubble gum, mango, cotton candy - these aren’t flavours, they are bait. We need to protect our children."

She said the ICPA was worried about new people vaping, but said that since tobacco control was introduced, the country had seen a general reduction in smoking.