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Township Liquor Traders Slam New Smoking Law as 'Unworkable'

Township Liquor Traders Slam New Smoking Law as 'Unworkable'

Author: By Kasia Yoko
Date: 2025-06-25

As South Africa continues to refine its public health policies, it must also consider the very real, very practical implications for small business owners trying to survive in a constrained economy. The road to reform should not run over the backs of the country's most vulnerable entrepreneurs.

South African liquor traders have raised the alarm over proposed new smoking legislation, warning that it could devastate small taverns, shisa nyamas, and bars-especially in township communities.

The draft Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, currently being processed by the Department of Health, aims to further tighten tobacco laws. Among the proposals are bans on display advertising, standardised packaging for cigarettes, and stricter controls on e-cigarettes and vaping devices.

But for many in the hospitality industry, the most disruptive change would be the new rules on where patrons are allowed to smoke.

Under the Bill, smoking would be banned entirely inside public venues, including taverns and restaurants. Designated smoking areas would have to be located a minimum distance from windows, ventilation systems, and entrances-a distance rumoured to be up to 10 metres.

For township liquor traders, this is a step too far.

"This provision is totally unworkable," said the Gauteng Liquor Traders Association (GLTA) in a strongly worded statement. "The minister has discretion over the exact distance, but even at five metres, the vast majority of our members will not be able to comply without extensive and expensive renovations."

According to the GLTA, many township taverns already adjusted their operations after previous amendments to the smoking laws, with up to 25% of indoor space being sectioned off for smokers.

"Now we're told that's not good enough. We must send patrons outside-beyond windows, doors, ventilation points. In a township setting, where space is tight and buildings are close together, that simply isn't possible," the association said.

Liquor traders argue that the new rules are not just impractical-they are unfairly punitive to small, black-owned township businesses that lack the space or capital to comply.

"Once again, it's the township trader who is asked to carry the burden," said a Soweto-based tavern owner. "We've followed the rules. We've invested in our businesses. And now we're being told to tear it all down and start again."

The Department of Health has not yet confirmed the final regulations or whether the proposed 10-metre distance will be enforced. But for township entrepreneurs trying to run viable, law-abiding businesses, the message is already clear: smoke, and you're out.