The Government has proposed a generational tobacco ban targeting all individuals born on or after January 1, 2007, as part of an amendment to the Tobacco Control Act aimed at building a tobacco-protected generation.

The first reading of the Tobacco Control Act Amendment Bill, tabled by Kinbidhoo MP Ali Ashraf, was presented in Parliament today. The bill proposes wide-ranging reforms to national tobacco regulation by legally restricting access to tobacco for all future generations born from 2007 onwards.

Under the proposed law, it will be illegal for any person born on or after January 1, 2007 to use, purchase, or sell tobacco products. In addition, no individual will be permitted to sell tobacco products to persons within this age group, and those born in or after 2007 will be barred from participating in any transaction involving tobacco sales.

The bill also introduces stricter compliance measures for tobacco vendors, requiring them to verify the age of every purchaser by inspecting an official identification document. This provision is intended to ensure that individuals from the restricted cohort are not sold tobacco products.

Beyond tobacco control, the legislation includes new provisions addressing electronic cigarettes. The use and public possession of vaping devices will be expressly prohibited. Police officers will be empowered to stop individuals suspected of carrying or using such devices in public places.

If an officer identifies someone in possession of an electronic cigarette or similar device, they may order that the item be surrendered for inspection. Should the individual refuse, the legislation permits the device to be confiscated, with reasonable force authorised if necessary.