“For most the withdrawal symptoms are manageable,” says National Council Against Smoking on cigarette ban.

The fight for the cigarette ban to be lifted continues and it seems that arguments for and against vary considerably.

After the News’ initial article was published, a poll was created on our Facebook page. Among the more than 2 800 people who voted, 70 per cent voted that the cigarette ban is neither logical nor necessary.

Read the initial article here:

https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/418110/smokers-frustrated-and-confused-about-gautengs-cigarette-ban/

The National Council Against Smoking, however, sent the News a statement explaining why they believe the ban in necessary.

“Science is the best guide for action,” the statement read.

They claimed that Chinese studies have shown that smokers are at a higher risk for severe complications if they are infected by the virus.

“The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US has confirmed these findings. The CDC estimates that those with a history of smoking are twice as likely to have severe Covid-19 disease compared to non-smokers.”

They went on to explain that smokers are more likely to be hospitalised, admitted to ICU, and to need ventilation or die, and that there is a severe shortage of ventilators and other ICU facilities.

They claim that there are only 5 000 ventilators available in South Africa, and if smokers stopped smoking this would benefit not only the individual but the health system as well.

“For most people the withdrawal symptoms from stopping smoking (cravings, disturbed sleep, anxiety and irritability) are manageable and they ease rapidly with time. Anyone who stopped smoking at the start of the lockdown will by now be past the worst,” said the organisation.

They said for people struggling with emotions, the solution is more complex and cannot be solved by a pill, a drink or a smoke, and that many organisations are offering psychological support over the telephone.

The British American Tobacco company of South Africa (BATSA) also released a statement to explain why they believe banning cigarettes is not a good idea.

“BATSA supports the decisive measures taken by the government to suppress transmission of the coronavirus. We believe these measures are necessary to limit the potentially devastating costs of the pandemic.”

They explained, however, that the ban on cigarettes will have unintended consequences, in that it will unintentionally force the more than 11 million smokers to look for cigarettes outside their neighbourhoods.

“This would lead to greater movement of people and more interactions than if smokers were able to buy cigarettes at their nearest legal outlet, at the same time as buying all their other essential goods.”

They explained that government’s efforts to clamp down on the illicit tobacco trade would have been in vain if smokers go out and buy illicit products.

Spaza shops now also being allowed to sell essential goods creates the perfect opportunity for the majority of previously excluded consumers to purchase goods were they live.

Another concern for BATSA, according to the statement, is the restrictions on the imports of non-essential goods being lifted.

“Local manufacturing and selling of cigarettes remain prohibited because they are still not considered basic goods, and it is a serious concern. Allowing freight cargo across South African borders, opens the door to the smuggling of illicit tobacco, which is one of the channels through which it reaches the market.”

It is important to note that according to the company, BATSA contributed R13 billion in total taxes in 2019. Ten billion of this was excise on tobacco.

The number for the South African Depression and Anxiety support group is 0800 21 22 23 or 0800 70 80 90, and the number for the National Council Against Smoking Quit line is 011 720 3145.