In a decisive move to bolster public health, the government has enacted a comprehensive regulation aimed at tightening tobacco control across the nation. Effective immediately, the new mandate prohibits smoking in numerous public spaces while delineating specific venues where designated smoking areas can be established.
Permissible Smoking Zones
The regulation identifies seven specific locations where smoking rooms or areas may be permitted:
- Airports and ports with transit facilities
- Shopping malls
- Tea shops, cafes, and restaurants
- State-run detention centers
- Industrial workplaces, including resorts
- Open areas in temporary camps for disaster victims
- Open areas within government institutions, state-owned enterprises, and entities performing official government duties
Establishment of these smoking areas requires written authorization from the Ministry of Health, contingent upon a fee of MVR 10,000. The Ministry is tasked with formulating and publishing detailed standards, conditions, and permit durations for these designated areas.
Enforcement and Penalties
To ensure compliance, the regulation outlines a tiered penalty system for businesses that violate the rules:
- First Offense: Fine of MVR 3,000
- Second Offense: Fine of MVR 5,000
- Subsequent Offenses: Fines will double with each repeated violation
- License Suspension: From the third violation onwards, the business license will be temporarily suspended for every two repeated offenses
Businesses will be permitted to resume operations and have their licenses reinstated only after settling all accumulated fines.
Context and Implications
This regulatory enhancement aligns with the Maldives’ ongoing commitment to public health and adherence to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, to which it became a party on February 27, 2005. The nation has progressively implemented measures such as prohibiting smoking in most workplaces and public places, mandating pictorial health warnings covering 90% of tobacco packaging, and banning most forms of tobacco advertising and promotion.
In recent developments, the government has also imposed a comprehensive ban on vaping devices, e-cigarettes, and related accessories, effective December 15, 2024. Tourists and residents are advised to comply with these regulations to avoid penalties.
These concerted efforts reflect the Maldives’ dedication to reducing tobacco consumption and safeguarding the health of its citizens and visitors.
