Health Protection Agency (HPA) will be conducting a special awareness inspection on local establishments to check whether they follow the Tobacco Control Act of the Maldives.
The establishments include outlets where sale or use of tobacco are permitted to varying extents.
HPA reports the awareness inspection campaign will proceed in association with relevant state bodies and other authorities.
The premier health authority is set to inspect relevant establishments in the Greater Male' Region; Male' City, Hulhumale' and Vilimale'.
The authority had addressed on growing misconduct and gross breaches of the Tobacco Control Act by several establishments.
HPA found various cafeterias in violation of the smoking regulations in such establishments.
Although the Tobacco Control Act was implemented nearly 12 years back, its enforceability remains ineffective for the most part.
While the Act specifically grants relevant bodies to restrict tobacco use in various establishments; through usage of warning signs prohibiting smoking, patrons visiting these outlets are found to be noncompliant to HPA regulations.
The Tobacco Control Act grants legal authority to HPA to restrict shops and similar outlets from selling cigarettes individually, and instead sell them whole packs.
However, several outlets continue to sell cigarettes individually despite the legal prohibitions.
The most recent trend in tobacco consumption; hookah or 'sheesha' is permitted in establishments with open-air access, however, most venues that provide the service cater it in close-vented or air-conditioned areas; which is again, in breach of HPA regulations.
Sign In