All forms of tobacco advertising has been banned in terms of a new legal notice which came into force on January 1.

The Environmental Health Directorate remained retailers in a notice today that no person may advertise any cigarettes, cigars, tobacco or tobacco products. Adverts are no longer permissible anywhere, not even at the point of sale, including vending machines.

With regards to the sale of tobacco from automatic vending machines, no person may sell or permit the sale of any other product except cigarettes and tobacco products from automatic sales machines which are used to dispense cigarettes and tobacco products. Sales from such machines are permitted only when these are continually supervised.

As from April, 27, all cigarettes packets are to feature a pictorial warning after the harm caused by smoking.

The directorate also reiterated that no smoking is allowed in public enclosed area - meaning any space covered by a roof and enclosed by more than one wall or side, regardless of the material used for the roof, walls and sides, and regardless of whether the structure is permanent or not.

Areas enclosed on more than one side with even temporary plastic material constitutes an enclosed area, the directorate said.

Further information is available on telephone numbers 21333733 or 21324093 up to 3 p.m.