Johannesburg – The Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association said the government’s tobacco sales ban appeal is regrettable.
The government is appealing a High Court ruling which found the ban unnecessary.
The government banned the use of tobacco sales during the hard lockdown last year.
The tobacco company approached the Western Cape High Court to overturn the ban.
The Minister of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini- Zuma, together with the president, has decided to go to the Supreme Court of Appeal to appeal the decision.
Fita Charmain Sinen Mnguni said the association is concerned another ban may be announced.
Mnguni said another ban would be a nail in the coffin of the legitimate cigarette industry in South Africa.
“As things currently stand, we are battling as the market currently is flooded with illicit cigarettes from our neighbouring countries,” said Mnguni.
He said another ban would further entrench illicit cigarette sales.
