230 smoke-free establishments inspected, including cafés and restaurants

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has inspected 230 establishments, including smoke-free eateries, cafés and restaurants in the Malé area, to ensure compliance with tobacco control laws and formally cautioned 97 establishments.

The HPA is actively monitoring compliance with the Tobacco Control Act, checking business licences for tobacco sales and taking action against illegal tobacco use in response to public complaints.

According to statistics released by the agency today, 230 locations were inspected last month. These included 130 eateries, cafés and restaurants, along with 96 retail shops. Four additional sites were inspected following complaints from members of the public.

The HPA reported that 53 establishments in the eateries, cafés and restaurants category were advised to make the necessary improvements. A further 44 shops were also issued advisories.

Under the Tobacco Control Act, authorities are empowered to temporarily suspend or revoke the business permits of commercial or service establishments where smoking takes place in prohibited areas.

The Act also requires any entity involved in importing, exporting, wholesaling or retailing tobacco products to hold a valid licence. Failure to meet these licensing requirements may also result in the suspension or cancellation of business permits.

The current administration has introduced several measures to curb tobacco consumption, including a ban on vaping and an initial increase in cigarette taxes, although the government subsequently revised the tax rates.