Tobacco company seeks talks, not court

BRITISH American Tobacco SA (BAT SA) has decided not to launch a legal challenge to the country’s current ban on cigarette sales, but to instead pursue further talks with the government.

BAT SA, the regional division of the world’s second largest tobacco firm, said: “Having considered the response from the government and noting President Cyril Ramaphosa’s public statement of Monday, May 4, as a business we have taken the decision not to pursue legal action at this stage but, instead, to pursue further discussions with government on the formulation and application of the regulations under the Covid19 lockdown.

“We are convinced that by working together we can find a better solution for all South Africans and removes the threat of criminal sanction from 11 million tobacco consumers in the country.

“The significant rise in the illicit trade of tobacco during the lockdown continues to be of great concern and threatens the livelihood of many who depend on legitimate businesses to sustain themselves. Whilst BAT SA supports the government in its mission to prevent the further spread of the virus, we believe it is vital that there is a renewed effort under level 4 to close down the illegal supply lines of tobacco that have been established over the past weeks. Reopening the legal, taxed and regulated tobacco market must be part of the solution.” |