By: Natasha Archary
South African rapper, Reason took to social media to break down what the proposed bill entails, and it’s shocking.
A new proposed bill could land smokers and cannabis users behind bars. The bill which has not yet been passed by Parliament is proposing harsh punishment on smokers who make use of tobacco, vapes and cannabis products, even in their own homes.
If passed the bill could mean that those found violating the new smoking laws could spend anything from 3-months to 5-years behind bars.
“If I’m chilling at home enjoying a smoke and my smoke goes out the window and it hits somebody who doesn’t smoke, I could go to jail for 3-months.
The bill says, if your home is used as a workplace, and you’re smoking in your home, you can go to jail for 5-years.
If I decide to work from home and smoke inside my home, I can go to jail for 5-years. I can go to jail for 6-months for smoking in my own car, if a non-smoker is in my car.
There’s no sjo can you switch off your cigarette, no it’s just jail. Why are we talking about jail for cigarette smokers? Like why can’t we just tell them not to smoke around you, why are we talking jail? Surely, there’s more serious things to send people to jail for?”
Reason breaks down the ludicrous proposed new smoking bill
This has to be some kinda joke. I just came across the new tobacco Bill that they wanna pass in our country. Surely we have more serious crimes?? We need start signing this petition ASAP. #StopTheTobaccoBill https://t.co/KIuQ0ailY2 pic.twitter.com/IYW1XMMFD0
— Sizwe Alakine World (@ReasonHD) February 16, 2023
The rapper shared his views about crime in South Africa and how his friend’s killers are still not behind bars but now people who smoke are being targeted like criminals.
South Africa’s leading tobacco processing company has launched a nationwide public education campaign to make smokers aware of the new anti-smoking laws being developed by the Government.
WHAT THE TOBACCO LAW INCLUDES:
If the tobacco law is passed down, some of the bans include the following:
- Implement a total ban on using tobacco products and vaping products in all indoor areas.
- Introduce a total ban on the display of tobacco products in all retail stores.
- Introduce plain packaging, which will see the removal of all branding logos, etc.
- Lump all traditional and new-generation products into the same legislation, despite their different risk levels.
The company is calling for South Africans to join the petition and Stop The Tobacco Bill.
Also read: Latest crime stats sees shocking increase in murder and rape



