The Ministry of Health has announced that cafes and restaurants in the Maldives will lose their business permits if they fail to prevent smoking in designated non-smoking areas.

Violations carry a MVR 500 fine, with both smokers and business owners now held accountable under recent amendments to the Tobacco Control Act.

Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim acknowledged enforcement challenges, stating that successful implementation requires coordination across institutions and public cooperation.

The Health Protection Agency's Deputy Director Hassan Mohamed confirmed they can now revoke health permits of non-compliant establishments. If violations persist, businesses face temporary suspension and potential cancellation of operating licences.

The amendments also introduce new tobacco control measures:

- Import and use of vaping products banned (effective from December 15)

- Legal age for purchasing tobacco products raised to 21

- Mandatory warning signs in non-smoking areas

The Tobacco Control Act has been in effect since August 2010, though enforcement has remained a persistent concern amongst the public.

The Minister emphasised that tobacco control requires collaboration between enforcement agencies, the general public, and individual citizens, noting that single-sector approaches have proven insufficient.