South Africa to Severe Smoking Ordinance

Health authorities are working at tightening South Africa’s anti-smoking laws, proposing a total ban on indoor smoking and even making it illegal to puff away in open spaces such as beaches. Stadiums, zoos, parks, outdoor eateries and beer gardens would all be affected. At beaches, smoking would only be allowed at least 50 metres from the closest person. But before introducing any new law, the health ministry will throw open the proposals to the public in discussions next week.

Leading Cigarette Maker Served Legal Notice

Tobacco Control Cell of the Cabinet Division has issued legal notice to a local cigarette manufacturer for publishing tobacco advertisements in print media, in violation of Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-smokers Health Ordinance 2002. Sources told Business Recorder on Saturday as per Tobacco Control Cell, full-page advertisements of some brands appeared in print media during November 2011. This is gross violation of SRO 382(l)/2007 dated August 21, 2007 issued under section 7 of the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-smokers Health Ordinance 2002 wherein it was stipulated that with effect from May 31, 2007 tobacco advertisement will not be more than one square inch.

Smoking Rate Low in California

Californians are kicking the habit. The rate of adult smoking Golden Gate cigarettes has dropped sharply over the last two decades, reaching its lowest level on record, largely because of aggressive tobacco control campaigns by state and local governments, officials said.

Last year, 11.9% of Californians said they smoked, down from 25.9% in 1984, the earliest data available, according to the California Department of Public Health. Only one other state had a lower smoking rate last year: Utah with 9.1%.