Maldives introduces 'generational' smoking ban for those born after 2007

The Maldives has begun implementing a nationwide smoking ban on individuals born after January 2007, marking it as the world’s only country with a generational prohibition on tobacco. The Health Ministry said the policy, initiated by President Mohamed Muizzu earlier this year, came into force on November 1 to “protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation".

According to the new rule, anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, is prohibited from purchasing, using, or being sold tobacco products within the Maldives. The regulation covers all forms of tobacco, and retailers are required to verify the buyer’s age before completing a sale.

The ban covers tourists and vaping products

The measure also applies to visitors in the island nation, which is made up of 1,191 coral islets spread across some 800 kilometres along the equator and known for its luxury tourism.

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In addition to the tobacco restrictions, the Health Ministry reaffirmed its complete ban on the import, sale, distribution, possession, and use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices for people of all ages. Selling tobacco to an underage person carries a penalty of 50,000 rufiyaa ($3,200), while using a vape device incurs a fine of 5,000 rufiyaa ($320).

A similar generational ban is still under consideration in Britain, while New Zealand, the first nation to adopt such a policy, repealed its smoking ban in November 2023, less than a year after introducing it.