Parliament passes bill to implement tobacco ban from 2007
The Cabinet has decided that the generation ban will be implemented starting from November.
Parliament on Tuesday passed a bill to amend the Tobacco Control Act to implement the Cabinet’s policy decision to impose a tobacco generation ban on individuals born from 2007 onwards.
Following discussions on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Health, the Cabinet approved the proposal to introduce a ban on tobacco use for this generation. The bill, moved by the government, was introduced in Parliament early this month and approved by a select committee on Sunday.
The committee's report was presented in Tuesday's sitting.
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The bill passed with 63 votes in favour
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Some MDP members voted against the bill
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Only MDP MP Ameen Faisal voted against; MDP's Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa abstained
The proposed amendments prohibit the sale of tobacco products to individuals belonging to the designated generation and to those under the age of 18. Key measures outlined in the bill include:
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Individuals from the tobacco-free generation must not engage in the purchase or sale of tobacco products.
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Online sales of tobacco products must be regulated to verify the age and eligibility of purchasers.
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The Ministry of Health is tasked with establishing regulations to prevent individuals from the prohibited generation from engaging in tobacco sales and to regulate online sales accordingly.
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Retailers must display clear signage indicating that tobacco products cannot be sold to individuals of the tobacco-free generation.
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Sellers are required to check the identity cards of customers to confirm they are not part of the banned generation.
The Cabinet has decided that the generation ban will be implemented starting from November.
The government has taken several decisions related to tobacco control in recent months. These include the prohibition of vape importation and usage and the increase of taxes on tobacco and cigarette products.
