“The application by Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco
Association is dismissed.”
With these words, the high court ruled on Friday that the
sale of tobacco products would remain banned under the government's lockdown
regulations.
Fita had taken the government to court, challenging the
ongoing ban on tobacco and related products. The government had opposed the
court application relying largely on the negative health implications of
smoking.
The three judges hearing the case said in their judgment:
“Many products and services were prohibited during the lockdown in so far as
they were defined as non-essential.
“Many industries were restricted as a goal of curbing and
managing the pandemic.
“Differential or preferential treatment for tobacco
products and/or the tobacco industry therefore cannot be countenanced, as
tobacco products were simply not considered to be essential. Sowetan
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