Parliament on Tuesday passed the necessary legislative amendment to implement a generational tobacco ban, prohibiting the sale, purchase, and use of tobacco products for individuals born on or after 1 January, 2007.
The legislative amendment to the Tobacco Control Act moved by ruling party lawmaker Ali Ashrag was reviewed by a seven member temporary committee which had recommended only minor changes.
The amendment to implement the historic generational tobacco ban was backed by 63 lawmakers out of the 65 who voted during Tuesday’s sitting.
The amendment, if ratified by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu will see the new legislation come into force from 1 November.
The amendment, developed in consultation with the Cabinet, targets individuals born from 1 January 2007 onwards, extending the prohibition to future generations.
Approximately 30 percent of the current population falls within this age group, a demographic significance that President Dr Muizzu had highlighted as central to the measure. The rationale for the ban is firmly rooted in public health concerns, with the potential to significantly improve national well-being by preventing a substantial portion of the population from adopting tobacco use, he had said.
The legislative amendment, once in effect, would mandate sellers of tobacco products to verify the age of customers through an official identification. Sellers will be penalised for any violations.
The government has been taking landmark steps against tobacco use. One of the biggest measures was to increase the duty on imported cigarettes and the nationwide ban on use and sale of vape products.
The new amendment would ban the import and use of rolling tobacco machines and related items. It will also give Police the authority to confiscate vape products and electronic cigarettes.