Maldives becomes only nation with generational smoking ban
The Maldives on Saturday began banning smoking for anyone born from January 2007, becoming the only country to impose a generational ban on tobacco, the health ministry said.
The move, initiated by President Mohamed Muizzu earlier this year, “will protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation”, the ministry said.
“Under the new provision, persons born on or after January 1, 2007 are prohibited from purchasing, using or being sold tobacco products in the Maldives,” it added.
“The ban applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers are required to verify age before sale.”
The measure also applies to visitors to this country made up of 1,191 tiny coral islets scattered some 500 miles across the equator and known for its luxury tourism.
The ministry said it also maintains a comprehensive ban on the importation, sale, distribution, possession and use of e-cigarettes and vaping products and that it applies to all individuals, regardless of age.
Selling tobacco products to a minor is punishable by a fine of 50,000 rufiyaa ($3,200), while using vaping devices is punishable by a fine of 5,000 rufiyaa ($320).
A similar generational ban offered in Great Britain is still in the legislative process while New Zealand — the first country to adopt such a law against smoking – repealed it in November 2023, less than a year after its introduction.
