Implementation and regulation of the Tobacco Products Control Act 83 of 1993 by street level bureaucrats (and the Tobacco Control Amendment Act of 1999) in relation to selling of tobacco to underage people : the Pietermaritzburg central business district as a case study.

Abstract

This study aims to explore the challenges faced by Street level bureaucrats in the implementation and regulation of the Tobacco Products Control Act 83 of 1993 (and the Tobacco Control Amendment Act of 1999) in relation to the selling of tobacco products (especially cigarettes) to minors in the Pietermaritzburg central business district area. These Acts are national policies formulated through the various stages of policymaking for tobacco control. Policymaking is not complete once a policy is approved. Instead implementation and regulation determine the success or failure of a policy or programme therein. Common implementation challenges include amongst others large number of participants in a programme, diverse goals, lack of commitment to the programme, lack of resources and technical difficulties. It is the purpose of this study to critically analyse and discuss the implementation problems faced by street level bureaucrats who have certain discretionary powers and are at the frontline of policy implementation. Specific focus will be given to environmental health officers and police officers in the Msunduzi Municipality and the Drugs and Liquor Section respectively (Pietermaritzburg central business district area).