FITA wants to have say in pending tobacco law
The Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association says any restrictions around tobacco trade, consumption and advertising should strike a balance between preserving both lives and livelihoods.
The association has been weighing in amidst a bill that's currently sitting before parliament that seeks to further tighten the use of tobacco products.
The bill comes as the tobacco industry is said to have exploited the current act's loopholes, mainly around advertising and even the introduction of alternative products such as e-cigarettes.
FITA's Sinenhlanhla Mnguni says they would also like to see government approach them so they can have a say in the matter.
READ: Prasa suspends rail services between Durban and Tongaat
"We, therefore, wish to emphasize that whilst in principal, we do not oppose any measure put in place by the Department of Health.
"As employers contributing to the fiscus, we believe that we have the right to be properly engaged and afforded the means to participate in measures introduced by the Department of Health and other government institutions who have the potential to martially affect our businesses.
"These principals are even more applicable in times of economic uncertainty and turmoil."
