Work begins on tightening smoking laws

During three days of public hearings, 16 individuals or organisations will make submissions. The original Act outlawed the advertising of tobacco products and the sponsoring of sports and other events by tobacco companies. The Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill before the committee will further curtail the marketing of tobacco products and the places where smokers can enjoy a cigarette. Full Business Day report Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill (PDF file)

A draft law intended to address the problem of substance and alcohol abuse has been released for public comment. Social Development Minister Zola Skweyiya said the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Bill would help reduce the prevalence of drug abuse among South Africans, particularly children, according to a Business Day report. ‘Our country continues to experience increased levels of substance abuse, and of serious concern to us is that the age of first experimentation with substances has dropped to between nine and 10 years,’ he said. The legislation, Skweyiya added, would promote more community-based services, place greater emphasis on preventative services and be more sensitive to the needs of children. Full Business Day report