Its lunchtime, you rush out of the office, light up a cigarette. You feel the nicotine rush through your veins, as you exhale a cloud of relaxation.

But within the next few months, lighting up that very cigarette during your lunch break could possibly see you spending three months in jail.

Your employer can possibly face a year’s imprisonment if any employee is unwillingly exposed to smoking. What?! No!!!! How can this be? How can enjoying an afternoon smoke land you in jail?

The draft Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, which was recently gazetted, bans smoking in all enclosed public spaces and enclosed workplaces. This means the removal of all dedicated smoking areas in restaurants and workplaces.

The proposed law will also ban you from smoking in your car with passengers, and children under the age of 18.

The new law will see cigarette manufacturers and electronic tobacco device manufacturers removing all branding on their products. The only thing they will be allowed on their products is the company logo. If the bill is passed and manufacturers fail to comply, they face a five-year jail sentence.

But why remove all the branding? The draft Bill states tobacco packaging must have a uniform colour and texture. This is an attempt to minimise glorifying cigarettes and making them look visually appealing.

Other key points in the Bill are:

• If the necessary signage banning smoking is not placed in public spaces, the person in charge of the respective area can be jailed for up to five years.
• Tobacco companies sponsoring events with corporate branding or even advertising and promoting products can see a five-year maximum prison term being imposed.
• A one-year jail sentence can be imposed for an automated vending machine with tobacco products.

With the possibility that smoking in public could land smokers in jail, the Newcastillian asked the community what their thoughts were on the new laws. This is what they had to say:

Sibongi Mbatha:

“I think the government should focus on actual criminals. We all know smoking is bad, but the whole thing about going to jail is a bit harsh.”

Muhammed Patel:

“I am a smoker myself, but this new law is ridiculous. Not being allowed to smoke in your car if there are other people in the car with you? What if they are all smokers too? I understand the part about not smoking in your car with children, but everything else is a bit much.”

Odette Leach:

“I admit smoking is not a good habit. But, alcohol is worse. Alcohol affects your thinking and personality.”

The public has until August 9th to comment on the draft Bill, before it makes its way to the National Assembly. Comments can be sent to [email protected]

Who would have thought we would see the day, when life threatening cigarettes are almost illegal and life assisting cannabis almost legal?!

What are your thoughts on the Bill? If passed, do you think it could benefit South Africans in terms of health? Or do you think more the government should focus on other issues that affect South Africans?