Fedhasa warns of showdown with government

THE Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) has denied allegations by the National Council Against Smoking that it is misleading the hospitality industry with the view that continued debate can result in a more flexible enforcement of the Tobacco Act. Fedhasa's legislative consultant, Peter Cumberlege, says it is the association's democratic right to continue to discuss the regulations of the Act with government and to inform the hospitality industry of its options. "Fedhasa was fully involved in the lead-up to the promulgation of the Act and the regulations and has repeatedly and regularly voiced its views on the subject over the past 30 months," he said. Cumberlege noted that the regulations in their current form are simply not workable and all but impossible to implement. However, he says Fedhasa has never disputed the objectives of the Act and has encouraged its members to protect the rights of non-smokers and children. The health department has threatened to prosecute non-compliant establishments after June 30. Cumberlege says government and business are headed on a collision course if an amicable and workable solution is not found soon. (Miguel de Sousa)