JTI off to court for tobacco ban: Government not listening to industry or consumers – The Mail & Guardian

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Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has joined forces with British American Tobacco South Africa (BATSA), as the two largest tobacco manufacturers based in South Africa, along with a host of civil society and concerned citizens, in the action to lift the lockdown prohibition on the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products. The matter is headed to court, to challenge the ban imposed under Section 27 of the Disaster Management Act regulations.

Bongani Mshibe, Director Corporate Affairs, Japan Tobacco International comments: “The legal tobacco industry has attempted to consult with the government, including making submissions as to how the sale and distribution of tobacco products can take place without impacting the spread of Covid-19 during any lockdown level. These attempts to consult and numerous submissions have not been taken into consideration.

“There are 11 million smokers in this country, and tobacco is a legal product. The ban is an infringement on adult choices and right to use these products. The government is not listening to the industry or consumers, so it is now clear that government intends to keep the ban for the foreseeable future. We unfortunately have no choice but to turn to the courts for relief, which could have been avoided had government consulted with the legal tobacco industry.”

The preliminary and limited data available provides no convincing evidence as to whether smoking increases or decreases the probability of being infected or admitted to hospital with Covid-19, and there is presently no data available on vaping in relation to Covid-19. It is therefore irresponsible to seek to draw concrete conclusions, or create public policy, based on incomplete science.

Mshibe comments: “There is however abundant evidence that despite the ban, consumers are continuing to smoke and find alternatives in illegal cigarettes, effectively criminalising South Africa’s smokers. There has been massive growth in illicit tobacco sales since lockdown. The risks are clear and evident, with consumers having to travel to find illegal products and being forced to share cigarettes. This has opened a door that will not easily be shut.”

Almost all countries that have implemented social lockdowns to reduce the spread of the virus have permitted the sale of tobacco products, including the US, China and the UK where some of these inconclusive studies on the link between smoking and Covid-19 are being cited.

“We are aware of only three countries in the world, including South Africa, that did not list tobacco as a basic good at the commencement of a lockdown, and one of those, India, has now lifted its initial prohibition. It is surprising that South Africa has taken a different stance with an ailing economy. Based on 2019 IPSOS figures, the South African Government is losing tobacco tax revenue in excess of R10-billion annually — or in excess of R30-million each day — since the commencement of the lockdown. With no end in sight to the ban as we are following a risk- adjusted model, the losses to the fiscus seem set to continue, at a time when government needs revenue more than ever,” says Mshibe.

If you extrapolate these losses from March 27, Day one of the lockdown, to today, May 29, that amounts to R1.92-billion in lost revenue to illicit tobacco, while legal tobacco retailers and wholesalers are losing a total of R65-million every day of not selling. This is Government revenue that could have funded the R350 grant to 5.2 million South Africans over the lockdown. Unfortunately, our Government is also placing 109 000 jobs and 179 000 wholesalers and retailers at risk, including the livelihood of emerging farmers. This extreme regulation approach will deter investor confidence in South Africa.

About JTI

JTI is a leading international tobacco and vaping company with operations in more than 130 countries. It is the global owner of both Winston, the number two cigarette brand in the world, and Camel, outside the US and has the largest share in sales for both brands. Other global brands include Mevius and LD. JTI is also a major player in the international vaping market with its brand, Logic and tobacco vapor brand, Ploom. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, JTI employs over 45 000 people and was awarded Global Top Employer for the sixth consecutive year. JTI is a member of the Japan Tobacco Group of Companies. For more information, visit www.jti.com.