Taverners fume over new anti-smoking rules

DOZENS of tavern owners have rejected Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi's intention to push through new anti-smoking laws without consulting them.

The Bay Taverners' Association met yesterday and called the regulations "unenforceable".

The Health Department has developed two sets of regulations which tavern owners believe will spell disaster for their businesses.

One will ban all indoor smoking and says patrons can only smoke 10m from a window, entrance or walkway.

The second will limit the display area for sale of all tobacco products to only a square metre.

Association secretary Tammy Nqam said the proposed rules would be impossible to enforce in townships because of the close proximity of buildings.

New Brighton tavern owner Thozamile Fundembeza said the rules would also be financially crippling as profits from cigarettes made a significant contribution to turnover. - Unathi Shologu