SOUTH AFRICA TOBACCO BAN ON HOLD
By Adnews Staff
The tobacco advertising ban in South Africa has hit a snag. President Nelson Mandela has refused to sign the Tobacco Products Amendment Bill because his legal advisors say it may be unconstitutional. It has been sent back to Parliament for redrafting. The bill outlaws all advertising and promotion of tobacco products and bans smoking in public places. Mandela's advisors don't have misgivings about the intention of the bill, but have reservations about the overly broad clauses, such as one which would prohibit organized activities financed with tobacco money. It was felt that this would infringe on the freedom of association. A clause which would allow banning smoking in private homes was also considered to broad. The tobacco industry, media owners, and the Freedom of Commercial Speech Trust opposed the bill because it violated the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression. Plans were set to challenge the bill.