Those selling “single stick” cigarettes and bidi after May 31 will be penalized, says the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
In a statement released on Wednesday, HPA noted that the law banning the selling of individual cigarettes will come into effect on May 31 and that the aim is to discourage young adults from picking up the habit, as well as to create awareness on the dangers of tobacco products.
In addition, the law orders the use of health warning labels on tobacco products.
- Cigarettes – pack with 20
- Bidi – pack with 50
- Tobacco – 30g
HPA highlighted that action will be taken against those that fail to comply with the law.
As such, those found guilty of violating the law will be fined, the first violation will lead to a fine of ten times the product sold, plus tax. A second violation will result in a fine of MVR 5,000 while a third and fourth violation will lead to fine of MVR 10,000 and MVR 20,000, respectively.
Authorities will also have the right to suspend the license of those violating the law.
In addition, Malé City Council is working to ban smoking on the streets of the city.
May 31 is World No Tobacco Day, which is intended to encourage a 24-hour period of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption around the globe.
