Randpark Ridge resident campaigns to lift lockdown smoking ban

When President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the measures put in place to curb the spread of Covid-19, it was announced that the sale of cigarettes would be prohibited.

This left many regular smokers extremely concerned as they would not be allowed to replenish their supply of cigarettes as they were not considered essential items.

One concerned Randpark Ridge resident decided to take action to mobilise a campaign to appeal to the government to reconsider the ban.

Bev Maclean said, “I started an online petition late one night after reading on numerous social media groups about the unfairness of the ban. I do believe in strength in numbers and that our voice should be heard.”

The campaign has since gained tremendous momentum with 100 000 signatures so far, and it is climbing steadily.

She added that smokers were told not to panic and stockpile, and were also not given enough time to get any cigarettes. She argued that some smokers had not been paid before the lockdown and some are essential workers who could not rush to buy any cigarettes.

She also said that she believes that many smokers are being forced to commit criminal acts, attempting to get cigarettes through unconventional means.

“It is hard enough when you decide to stop by yourself, but being forced to, and especially in such a stressful time, is downright impossible. There are not even Nicorette gum or patches left in the pharmacies,” she said.

Maclean, however, congratulated smokers who have used this time to kick the habit.

According to the American National Institute on Drug Abuse, nicotine addiction and cessation is on par with cocaine, thus a very difficult addiction to break.

She added that while some can quit, for others the addiction and not having access to it is torture.

“I have been a smoker for over 40 years and being forced to stop is not an option.

“I do applaud our President for having to have made such difficult decisions in such a short space of time, but nothing is set in stone and he can revise his decisions.”

She added that besides smokers battling, we are losing billions of rands in sin tax.

“At a time like this, why is our government throwing away money to the black market that can be used to feed the poor, help hospitals, and so on. It honestly doesn’t make any sense to me or anyone else in the country, smokers and non-smokers. We are also the only country doing this.

“The petition is on Change.org and people can follow the link provided to sign it. After each goal was reached (15 000, 25 000, and so on signed), an email is sent to our President. I assume he is aware of this petition by now and I sincerely hope he uplifts the ban.”

Details: chng.it/5HgtwpR2