Authorities to Enforce Stricter Penalties for Smoking in Non-Smoking Areas

The government has announced to implement stricter penalties on cafés and restaurants that permit smoking in non-smoking areas as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act, enacted in 2010.

At a press conference, Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim warned that action would be taken against establishments that violate the law. Such measures could include the termination of permits and business licences.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

The Tobacco Control Act defines specific smoking areas in cafés and restaurants, which must be clearly marked with no-smoking messages. Smoking in other areas is strictly prohibited, with violations currently subject to a fine. However, officials have raised concerns about the inconsistent enforcement of these laws.

Minister Ibrahim emphasised the need for a collective effort to address these concerns. “We understand that achieving these goals requires the collaboration of multiple sectors. We need combined efforts from enforcement agencies and the general public, and we must foster a sense of personal responsibility to support these measures,” he said.

Hassan Mohamed, Deputy Director of the Health Protection Agency (HPA), acknowledged the challenges in enforcing the smoking ban, particularly in designated areas of cafés, restaurants, and other public spaces. He stressed that the responsibility lies with owners and managers to uphold the law.

Mohamed highlighted recent amendments to the Tobacco Control Act that place additional obligations on café and restaurant owners to ensure compliance with smoking bans. He warned that failure to adhere to the law would lead to punitive action. “The law now empowers the Health Ministry to terminate permits for establishments that violate the law. If these actions do not yield results, we also have the power to terminate their business licences,” he explained.

The recent amendments also include a ban on the import, sale, and use of vapes and vaping products, effective from 15 December. Additionally, the law now prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21.

Authorities are optimistic that these combined efforts will strengthen public health outcomes while addressing ongoing challenges to compliance.