The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has reminded tobacco vendors of the legislative amendment mandating a special license for tobacco sales will come into effect from 17 July.
The opportunity to obtain the special tobacco license through the government’s online portal ‘OneGov’ opened on 17 April and the deadline is set to expire on 17 July.
HPA in a statement warned that tobacco sales without acquiring the special license would be a legal offense after the expiration of the deadline.
The General Regulation on Tobacco Control has empowered the Ministry of Health to impose a fine of USD 3,243 for first time offenders and the fine would double to USD 6,486 for each violation thereafter. The regulation also grants the authorities the power to withhold business permits.
In recent months, the government has intensified measures to combat tobacco use, reinforcing its commitment to preventive healthcare.
One such measure was the ratification of an amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, on 21 May 21. The legislation establishes a generational ban on tobacco use and will take effect in November. It prohibits the sale of tobacco products to individuals born on or after January 1, 2007, effectively phasing out tobacco use among future generations.
The government is also taking steps to restrict access to tobacco products. These include expanding tobacco-free zones, banning the import and possession of equipment used to manufacture e-cigarettes and vapes, raising the legal age for purchasing tobacco to 21, banning tobacco advertising and sponsorships, and increasing taxes on tobacco products.