Local not local

Good day Kobus,

BATSA seeks to have legal, taxed and regulated products allowed for sale in South Africa as soon as possible
We believe that working with government to make tobacco products available for sale within the current system of alert levels is the best approach.
With the gradual easing of the lockdown, we have seen the easing in farming for tobacco farmers as well as the allowance to produce tobacco products for export.
Our message to the 11 million smokers across the country is that we believe this is the most effective action to have legal products back for sale as soon as possible.
We believe we can still make the case to government that the sale of tobacco products can be done in a manner that complies with the Protocols put in place for the prevention and control of the spread of the coronavirus.
We also firmly believe that the best way to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 is for people to be able to buy tobacco products, at the same time that they are purchasing other essentials, in shops where the government’s social distancing guidelines can be enforced.
The ******* trade in tobacco defeats the government’s objectives by encouraging people to travel more.
The impact of illicit is not just a concern for BATSA but for all South Africans. It is something that SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has repeatedly expressed as a significant worry.
When legal sales are permitted again, it will require a major effort by all South Africans, including all arms of law enforcement, to shut down the very sophisticated supply and retail lines that have mushroomed in recent weeks. BATSA appreciates the loyalty of our customers and we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that your favorite, legal and trusted brands are soon back on the shelves.