President Mohamed Nasheed has ratified Tobacco Control Bill passed by the People’s Majlis at its sitting on 2 August 2010. Following the ratification, the Tobacco Control Act is published in the Government Gazette.
The Act stipulates measures to control use of tobacco including prohibition of growing and advertising tobacco and tobacco products, how such products could be imported and exported, how they can be wholesaled and retailed. The Act also states standards for packaging and labeling tobacco products and principles for taxing such products. The Act also states mechanisms to prevent non-smokers from secondhand smoke, treat tobacco addicts, and create awareness to prevent the use of tobacco.
The Act also gives power to make regulations in conjunction with the Act to ban smoking in certain places including work places, cafés and restaurants, and public transport facilities.
Tobacco Control Act that was signed into law today prohibits smoking in cinemas, conference halls, mosques, healthcare services, sporting facilities, government buildings, and educational facilities.
It also prohibits sale of tobacco and tobacco products to any person under 18 years. Tobacco and tobacco products cannot also be sold without a license or a permit that has to be renewed periodically.
According to the Act, the President shall appoint a Tobacco Control Board within 60 days of the ratification of the Act. The Board should be headed by a Cabinet minister and should consist of representatives from relevant government ministries, tobacco control experts, public health experts, consumer protection groups, civil society and commercial organizations.
