Mauritius takes pioneering anti-smoking measures in Africa

Mauritius introduces plain packaging for cigarettes, bans e-cigarettes, heated tobacco and all new nicotine products, strengthens the ban on smoking in enclosed public places and extends it to some open spaces, and trains its police to enforce these measures.

Mauritius intends to remain at the forefront of African countries in the fight against tobacco. After adopting its first anti-smoking laws in 2003 and ratifying the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), this country was the first in Africa to impose graphic health warnings on cigarette packets in 2008. Ahead of Ivory Coast, since May 31, 2023, it is the first African country to have introduced standardized neutral packaging for cigarettes[1], a measure highlighted on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day.

Smoking and vaping bans to be generalised

Among the other measures announced on May 31, 2023, the smoking ban is strengthened for all enclosed public places and extended to certain public spaces such as beaches, parks and gardens, bus stops and the terraces of cafes and restaurants.[2]. Smoking is also prohibited within 10 metres of a door or window of any public building, as well as in a closed vehicle, even when alone or stationary. Violations of these smoking bans range from 5,000 to 10,000 Mauritian rupees (100.25 to 200.50 euros) and up to one year of imprisonment in the event of a repeat offence. The sale of cigarettes is prohibited within 200 metres of any school or educational establishment, as well as for sports and leisure facilities.

The use of electronic cigarettes or heated tobacco devices has also been prohibited since May 31, 2023. In anticipation, all non-smoked tobacco products are also prohibited, as well as any other new non-medical nicotine product. In the event of an infringement, the penalties are aligned with those related to tobacco use. The importation of these products is itself prohibited.

Police officers trained to enforce anti-smoking regulations

To enforce these provisions, 95 police officers were trained for a day on the issue of tobacco, between April and May 2023. They are not only in charge of enforcing the legislation, but have also been invited by the Minister of Health and Well-being to make the population aware of the dangers of tobacco.[3].

The anti-smoking provisions are not limited to the establishment of protective bans and also include a component for the care of smokers. Eight clinics offering free tobacco care should thus open their doors to allow smokers to quit smoking. In addition, between July 2022 and May 2023, 93,806 people participated in awareness sessions on the risks of smoking, as part of the 2022-2026 national action plan.[4]Mauritius therefore appears firmly committed to achieving the WHO target of reducing smoking prevalence among people aged over 15 years by 30% by 2025.

Keywords: Mauritius, smoking ban, plain packaging, electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco.

MF

[1] From May 31: Cigarette packs will display neutrality, Le Mauricien, published March 3, 2023, consulted July 10, 2023.

[2] Bissiere M, New regulations - Cigarettes: to fimé to tasé!, L'Express (Mauritius), published on 1^er June 2023, accessed July 10, 2023.

[3] WHO, Strengthening enforcement of new tobacco law through capacity building of police officers, published July 6, 2023, accessed July 10, 2023.

[4] Samy S, Anti-tobacco control: Mauritius aligns with the three United Nations resolutions, Wazaa FM, published June 23, 2023, accessed July 10, 2023.