The Maldives has started enforcing a nationwide smoking ban for people born after January 2007, making it the only country with a generational tobacco ban.
The Maldives is a small island republic southwest of India, consisting of about 1,200 islands and has a population of around 392,000.
It’s the smallest country in Asia, with Malé as its capital and most populous city, often called the “King’s Island.”
The Maldives is active on the global stage, belonging to groups like the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and more.
The Health Ministry said the policy, introduced by President Mohamed Muizzu earlier this year, took effect on November 1 to protect public health and create a tobacco-free generation.
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Under the new rule, anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, is not allowed to buy, use, or be sold tobacco products in the Maldives. Retailers must check the age of buyers before selling any tobacco.
The ban includes all types of tobacco products and applies to both residents and visitors in the island nation, known for its luxury resorts and coral islands.
The Maldives also continues its full ban on the import, sale, and use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices for all age groups.
Selling tobacco to someone underage can lead to a fine of 50,000 rufiyaa, while using a vape can result in a 5,000 rufiyaa penalty.
A similar generational ban proposed in Britain is still going through the legislative process, while New Zealand – the first country to enact such a law against smoking – repealed it in November 2023, less than a year after it was introduced.
