The Tanzanian government has proposed a new bill that seeks to amend the tobacco control laws, making the manufacture, sale, or promotion of shisha illegal. The bill, which was introduced for first reading, defines shisha as any tobacco product that may be flavoured or non-flavoured and may contain molasses, honey, vegetable glycerol, or any other natural or artificial flavour. If enacted, the bill will impose a fine of up to Sh5 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, or both, for anyone found smoking shisha.
The proposed law also sets stringent conditions for the manufacture, packaging, and distribution of chang'aa, a popular local brew. The bill requires chang'aa to be packaged in a glass bottle sealed with a non-refillable cap, with a label bearing a unique security feature of the manufacturer to help determine the authenticity of the alcoholic drink. This move aims to comply with the Public Health Act and curb the sale of illicit brews.
The Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya (ABAK) has called for the withdrawal of the bill, warning that thousands of jobs will be lost if it is implemented in its current form. The association argues that the proposed bill will disproportionately increase compliance burdens for legitimate alcohol manufacturers while potentially enabling more illicit alcohol players to thrive.
According to the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada), shisha smoke contains high levels of chemicals and poisons, including carbon monoxide and tar. These chemicals are known to cause mouth and lung cancers, heart disease, respiratory diseases, and other illnesses. If implemented, Tanzania will become the fourth country in East Africa to prohibit shisha, after Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.
The bill also introduces a digital tracking system for all types of alcohol manufactured or imported into the country, aimed at ending the sale of killer brews. The tracking system will enable authorities to trace the origin of killer brews, with details such as the date of manufacture and origin.
The proposed law also increases the fine and jail term for those found selling cigarettes in packages containing fewer than 10 units. The fine will be raised from Sh50,000 to Sh100,000, and the jail term from six months to one year. The bill also prohibits smoking in prohibited areas, including offices, workplaces, and public transport terminals, with a fine of up to Sh100,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both.
The bill has been sponsored by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, who said the digital track and trace system will help authorities trace the origin of killer brews. The bill is set to be considered by MPs, with a decision expected soon. If enacted, the bill will have significant implications for the tobacco and alcohol industries in Tanzania.
Key points
- The proposed bill seeks to amend the tobacco control laws, making the manufacture, sale, or promotion of shisha illegal.
- The bill proposes a fine of up to Sh5 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, or both, for anyone found smoking shisha.
- The bill also introduces a digital tracking system for all types of alcohol manufactured or imported into the country.
