Committee passes anti-vape bill

The bill seeking a total ban on the import and commercial use of vape and related products was passed at the Committee on Social Affairs on Wednesday.

The committee conducted assessments on the amendment bill on Tobacco Control Act during the meeting it convened, and made revisions to it.

Komandoo MP Mohamed Ibrahim suggested to clause to the amendment which cites that the display of tobacco or any related products would constitute to advertisement, which was supported by North-Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim.

The revised bill received unanimous support and approval at the committee.

Dhaandhoo MP Mohamed Fazeel made another suggestion, which stipulates that the sale or free distribution of a vape or an electronic cigarette or a similar device to a minor would result in a fine of MVR 50,000 on the culpable party. This too, was approved by the committee.

Fazeel further made a suggestion revising how tobacco should be interpreted in the law, which include identifying tobacco or its content or any product made using these and nicotine as tobacco-based products.

The revision further stipulates that any such content, that can be administered to the body either by inhalation, consumption, or by way of pasting or scrubbing on any part of the body, to acquire the effect of tobacco, it should be identified as a tobacco-product.

The clause however, exempts nicotine used exclusively for treatment purposes.

This revision was approved with unanimous vote of the committee as well.

Meedhoo MP Abdul Rahman had requested monetary compensation to all the businesses that would be affected once the law comes to effect.

Dhaandhoo MP Mohamed Fazeel also believes that the abrupt cessation on the availability of the products would pose challenges to the public, but had still proposed to approve the amendment bill as it is.

Despite the bill had received majority votes at the commtitee, three members abstained which included Meedhoo MP Abdul Rahman, North-Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim, and West-Maafannu MP Musthafa Ibrahim.