Some of these companies are still
promoting and advertising their tobacco products in total disregard of
the Tobacco Products Regulations of 2014 which became effective on March
5, 2015.
The Government has admitted laxity in
the area and has vowed to deal with all those in violation of
regulations despite the ministry’s communication to all cigarette
manufacturers through a public notice issued on March 12, 2015.
Speaking about these violations, the
Minister for Health, Social Welfare, Gender, Seniors and Children Ummy
Mwalimu, expressed her disappointment over the violation and said her
ministry will from now not spare any violators.
“I understand that there are challenges
with regards to strict enforcement of tobacco regulations. We are
putting in place a mechanism for strict enforcement of the regulations.
She said she is aware that some
companies are still promoting tobacco products in public places,
sampling tobacco products in non segregated areas, promoting brand
accessories without health warning.
The Tobacco Products Regulations 2014
were issued in December 2014 and came into effect on March 05, 2015
where all tobacco manufacturers were required to comply with provision
of the regulations with respect to advertising, promotion and
sponsorship.
The regulations also demand that by
September 05, 2016 all cigarette packs should have larger health
warnings on the back and front of the pack. “I am aware that compliance
has started and non compliance by the said deadline will not be
tolerated,” she sai
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