Cigarette producers await reasons for ban on sales to make next move
The High Court has given the National Covid-19 Command Council (NCCC) until Tuesday to hand over records of the decision on the prohibition of the sale of tobacco to the Fair-trade Independent Tobacco Association (Fita).
This is according to Fita’s chairperson, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni.
Mnuguni says Fita approached the High Court in Pretoria to declare that the export of tobacco products and cigarettes is not prohibited, and that cigarette manufacturing can resume.
ALSO READ: Tobacco association heads to court over cigarette ban
Recent media reports by Media24 have suggested that Cogta Minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is believed to be pushing for the ban on the sale of tobacco and alcohol to continue until Level 1 restrictions.
"In as far as our court application is concerned, the court has given government a deadline of Tuesday, May 26, to hand over to us the record of decision and reason - if any - for the promulgation of the current regulation, after which time we will submit our papers and have the matter heard soon," says Mnguni.
"We will advise shortly once the date for the matter to be heard is appointed by the judge"