Finally BAT Reacts to Public Smoking Ban

The British American Tobacco wants the Government to consult the industry before enacting the proposed Tobacco Bill.

The company says that the decision by Health minister, Charity Ngilu, to implement new regulations for the sector was untenable because of the time frame given and lack of consultations between the Government and industry stakeholders.

The new regulations seek to ban public smoking and made it mandatory for tobacco companies to replace existing warning signs with new messages that are written in bold and prominently displayed.

It also proposes a Sh50,000 fine or a jail term of six months for smoking in public. Ngilu said that the cost of implementing the changes should to be shouldered by the tobacco industry.

However, Keli Kiilu, the Corporate and Regulatory Affairs director at BAT described the new regulations as uncalled for and lacked input of the industry.

"Whereas the regulation should be enacted soonest, the time frame given does not take into account the processes required by manufacturers, owners of public entertainment places and other buildings to make provisions to accommodate the changes in law."

He said to ensure full compliance on the changes in packaging, adequate lead-time is required to give manufacturers sufficient time to clear current stocks and realign their equipment to produce new packs.

"It is the view of the tobacco industry that regulation should be practical, workable and enforceable, while taking into account the socio-economic realities inherent in Kenya," he said.

"Laws made in other countries may not be wholly applicable in Kenya but should be made suitable to local conditions."

Kiilu said the new rules are in conflict with the proposed Tobacco Control Bill 2006.