Government's ban on the sale of cigarettes is backfiring badly, according to a major new study by UCT.
Cape Town - A major new study by the University of Cape Town shows that almost all smokers have been able to buy cigarettes during the coronavirus lockdown, and concludes that the ban is backfiring badly and should be lifted as soon as possible, Tax Justice South Africa founder Yusuf Abramjee said on Saturday.
Professor Corné van Walbeek, head of the UCT unit, said its research was often in conflict with the tobacco industry. “While the original intention of the ban was to support public health, the reality right now is that the disadvantages of the ban greatly outweigh the advantages. The HSRC reported that 60 percent of smokers had been able to buy cigarettes during lockdown and people buying cigarettes illegally were 50 percent more likely than others to have had close contact, within two metres, with more than 10 others outside the home.
“Enough is enough. The government must admit its error and allow South Africa’s 11 million smokers to buy legally produced, tax-paying cigarettes in shops and stores while they purchase their groceries and other essentials,” Abramjee said.
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