Two studies were carried out by the non-government association VISA, the University of Mauritius and the World Health Organization. The first study looked at whether nightclubs in Mauritius were in conformity with the ban on smoking in public places as required by the Public Health (Restrictions on Tobacco Products) Regulations of 2008. It was conductedusing structured observation, desk research, and online search. The study provided unequivocal evidence that nightclubs in Mauritius arein breach of several of the provisions of the tobacco control law. Cigarette smoking remains high, being observed in 87.5% of nightclubs visited. Ashtrays were seen in conspicuous places in many nightclubs whereby sale of cigarettes was also noted. Tobacco smoke was present in 87.5% of the nightclubs while prescribed “No Smoking” signs were seen in only 56.2% of the nightclubs. The use of electronic cigarettes, which is illegal in Mauritius, was observed in 31.2% of the nightclubs.
As in 2013, when a similar study was carried out by VISA, compliance by nightclubs with the smoke-free provisions of the law is low. Authorities should aim at a vigorous enforcement of the ban in view of creating 100% smoke-free environments in all public places, including the nightclubs.