Lobbyists urge Parliament to pass Tobacco Bill to save lives

Lobbyists are calling for Parliament to speed up the process of passing the new Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, in order to save lives.

As we observe Anti-Tobacco Campaign Month in May, the World Health Organisation reports that tobacco use kills more than 8 million people worldwide each year.

The bill contains a lengthy of public areas which will be no-smoking zones. A three-month jail term may be imposed for smoking where you should not be, and up to 20 years for selling tobacco products to children.

CEO of the Tobacco, Alcohol and Gambling Advisory Group (TAG), Peter Ucko says the rise of electronic smoking devices amongst the youth is also a cause for concern.

Ucko says, “It’s taking too long, too slow. We want to get the bill done, we want to save lives. We want to protect the youth from this scourge of electronic devices. Make graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging. We want to do all the things to protect public health, protect children and young people and save lives.”

VIDEO: Last month, Cabinet approved tougher rules on smoking: