BAT seeks clarity on smoking ban
By Business ReporterTHE British American Tobacco Company (BAT) has not assessed the impact of Government’s ban on smoking in public places on its sales because it was still seeking clarification on the definition of the term “public places”.
Managing director, Lovemore Manatsa, said the BAT management has engaged in dialogue with the ministry of Local Government and Housing to get clarification on Statutory Instrument (SI) number 39 of 2008.
Replying to a Press query, Mr Manatsa said so far two meetings have been held with the main objective of respecting the choices of both smokers and non-smokers.
“We are yet to assess the full impact of the ‘prohibition of smoking in public places’ on our business, but we will do that after our meetings with the Government on the matter,” Mr Manatsa said.
The Government announced a ban on smoking in public places and introduced penalties for those to be found flouting the regulation.
The penalty for the offence includes a K400, 000 fine or imprisonment for a term of up to two years.
Local Government and Housing Minister, Sylvia Masebo, signed a Statutory Instrument that came into effect on May 27, 2008.
Ms Masebo said public places include all public buildings, streets, offices, bus stations, conveniences and other places to be prescribed.
