Nine penalized with MVR 50,000 in fines under new vape ban law

Nine people have been penalized with MVR 50,000 in fines under the amendments introduced to the Tobacco Control Act last week.

The amendments to the Tobacco Control Act, prohibiting the import, sale, free distribution, and use of vaping devices and e-cigarettes in the Maldives, took effect on December 15.

In a statement on Tuesday, the police said that nine people were fined under the legislature between December 15 and December 22.

The nine people were collectively fined MVR 50,000.

According to the police, this includes an individual fined by MVR 10,000 for using an e-cigarette while driving.

The new amendments introduced the following fines:

• MVR 5,000 for use of vapes
• MVR 20,000 for the sale of vape
• MVR 10,000 per vaping device sold
• MVR 10,000 for free distribution of vapes

According to the Maldivian administration, the vape ban is part of a masterplan to reduce smoking in the Maldives.

In November, the Maldives enacted legislature increasing the specific rate of import duty on cigarettes and beedi from MVR 3 to MVR 8, and the ad valorem tax on the products by 50 percent.

Tobacco importers and distributors raised the prices of cigarettes following this change, with the price of common cigarette brands rising between MVR 240 to MVR 290 per pack, and MVR 2,240 per carton.

Store owners have reported a decline in the sale of cigarettes following the change.

The Maldivian administration has also introduced a tobacco quitline to help people quit smoking, and announced plans to establish tobacco cessation clinics in all residential islands of the Maldives.