And what you can do to help with the cigarette butt problem.

This is an important notification regarding a new Tobacco Law that has been passed. Contained below is a summary of the amendments to the Tobacco Law, which was passed on 31st of August 2009. (Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act, No. 23 of 2007)

The new law bans smoking in partially enclosed areas of restaurants, pubs and bars – such as covered patios, verandas, balconies, walkways and parking areas – and could see owners being fined R50000 for breaching the laws.

Changes in the law, with immediate effect, include:

1. An increase in the fines for smoking or allowing smoking in a non-smoking area. The fine for the owner of a restaurant, pub, bar and workplace is now a maximum of R50 000, and R500 for the individual smoker.

2. No smoking in "partially enclosed" public places, such as covered patios, verandas, balconies, walkways parking areas.

3. Smoking is not allowed in premises (including private homes) used for commercial childcare activities or for schooling or tutoring

4. Adults may not smoke in a car when a passenger under 12 years old is present.

5. Young children will be better protected from harm caused by second-hand smoke, like asthma, wheezing, or bronchitis..

6. The sale of tobacco products to and by persons under the age of 18 is prohibited, as is the sale of confectionery or toys that resemble tobacco products

7. The tobacco industry can no longer hold "parties" or use "viral" marketing to target young people. In viral marketing, cigarette company representatives take cigarettes to clubs, coffee bars and campuses and invite teens to parties, concerts or a sport event where they are lured into smoking.

8.No person under 18 may be allowed into a designated smoking area. The practice of parents taking babies into smoking areas of restaurants is outlawed.

9. Cigarette vending machines must sell only tobacco products.

Now that you are aware the new law exists and what the law says. There is still a major problem at hand for South Africa. The new law has limited indoor smoking and as a result there has been a sharp increase in outdoor smoking and cigarette butt litter.

In South Africa, an environmental solution to inform and educate smokers about the need for better disposal of cigarette butts will certainly go a long way in both keeping the streets tidy and protecting the environment.

The solution is an outdoor ashtray receptacle introduced and provided by a local company called Ash n Ad. This ideal outdoor solution addresses major concerns surrounding the new smoking legislation and better disposal of cigarette butts outdoors.

The ashtray is constructed from tough, weather resistant, rust proof & powder coated steel. This allows smokers to dispose of cigarette butts easily and hygienically while improving the state of the environment around a smoking area.

The ashtray is designed to be easily installed and to last many years. This makes them a cost effective and quick fix solution for property owners seeking to instate demarcated outdoor smoking areas while at the same time providing patrons and public a clean and hassle free environment to smoke.

For more info about the ashtrays please visit www.ashnad.co.za.

If you know of any property owners that would benefit from our services please contact them and spread the word of our needed solution.