Health Protection Agency (HPA) of Maldives is set to conduct a series of inspections on local cafeterias and general shop outlets, to assess adherence to tobacco regulations.
The authority will conduct the special awareness inspection in collaboration with all relevant state bodies and authorities. HPA along with its partners will inspect all outlets of interest established in Male’ City, Hulhumale’ and Vilimale’.
Shops, cafes and restaurants found in violation of HPA’s regulations on tobacco and smoking will be made aware, provided with information of the existing laws and if necessary taken action against.
Though a tobacco control act was implemented some 12 years back, the enforceability of the law has remained significantly ineffective.
The Act clearly grants authority to relevant bodies in restricting tobacco use in specific establishments; including cafes and restaurants. Despite signs warning against use of tobacco in several venues, patrons to these establishments do not comply with HPA regulations.
The Tobacco Control Act legally prohibits shops from selling cigarettes individually, and instead enforces selling them in packs, it was discovered many of these outlets do not adhere to the legal restrictions.
Additionally, the recent surge in hookah establishments in the country; usually in close-vented rooms violate the Tobacco Control Act, which requires any establishment to have open-air areas specific for smoking or tobacco use.