MEDIA RELEASE
EMBARGOED till 30 May 29 May 2002
Dirty Tricks expected
The tobacco industry is renowned world wide for their well-documented dirty tricks. In South Africa it appears that their partners are the Tobacco Institute and FEDHASA.
Last year just before World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) the results of a survey regarding the tobacco laws were release by the Federated Hospitality Association of SA (FEDHASA). The timing, it seemed, was designed to divert news attention from the important message of WNTD that
“Second Hand Smoke KILLS”
World Cup Soccer is being launched on WNTD – 31 May 2002. The theme this year is “Tobacco Free Sports –Play it Clean”
“What dirty tricks and diversionary tactics can we expect from the tobacco industry and FEDHASA this year” asks Peter Ucko, director of the National Council Against Smoking.
“What nefarious purpose lurks behind actions which seek to demean important health legislation ? The laws have been successfully implemented in hundreds of thousands of acres of offices, shopping areas and other public places” said Ucko “The only area where resistance is being seen is the hospitality industry”.
“Non-compliance with laws in general and the tobacco control laws in bars and restaurants cannot be tolerated. Lawlessness will be dealt with in the appropriate manner” said Wayne Minnar, spokesman for the Johannesburg Metro City Police Services. “We are planning actions which will be announced when strategies have been finalised” he added.
The question still remains. What sudden survey or media releases will the tobacco industry or FEDHASA seek to issue in order to detract from the excitement of Bafana Bafana in Korea and the widely accepted, respected and appreciated tobacco control laws.