The Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association has lodged an application for leave to appeal the ruling on its lockdown challenge.
It is reported that the Pretoria High Court had dismissed its case seeking to overturn the government’s ban on tobacco sales.
Now, the group have announced that they have no intention of backing down in this legal battle commenting on Friday that:
“Earlier today we filed our application for leave to appeal the ruling of the Pretoria High Court on 26 June 2020 dismissing our application to have the ban on the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products during the lockdown period lifted. We will keep the public updated on any further developments in relation to this matter.”
The tobacco industry has argued that the prohibition had cost it millions after it was put in place in March when the Covid-19 lockdown was put into place.
The government, with the motion to keep the ban in place seemingly led by Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has defended its decision adamant that the restriction is necessary for health reasons.
Nevertheless, FITA has argued in its appeal that the court has made countless errors in its reading of the Disaster Management Act.
Numerous citizens have voiced their dismay over the ban, with experts adamant that the move has propelled the black market forward with billions spent on illicit cigarettes.
