02.11.2025 00:17
The Maldives banned the purchase, use, or sale of tobacco products to anyone born on or after January 1, 2007. With this decision, the country became the only one in the world to implement a "generational tobacco ban."
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The island nation of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean has announced a ban that will be implemented for the first time in the world, sharing it with the entire globe.
INTERGENERATIONAL SMOKING BAN INTRODUCED
According to a statement from the Maldives Ministry of Health, it is prohibited for anyone born after January 1, 2007, to purchase, use, or be sold tobacco products.
IMPLEMENTED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE WORLD
With this decision, the country has become the only nation in the world to implement an "intergenerational smoking ban." It was noted that the decision was initiated by President Mohamed Muizzu at the beginning of this year and came into effect on November 1.
The Ministry stated that the regulation aims to "protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation." According to the new regulation, individuals born on or after January 1, 2007, will not be able to purchase, use, or sell tobacco products. Retailers are also required to verify age before sales.
IT ALSO AFFECTS TOURISTS
The implementation in the Maldives, a country consisting of 1,191 coral islands known for its luxury tourism, also includes tourists. Additionally, the country has completely banned the import, sale, distribution, possession, and use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices for all ages.
Those who sell tobacco products to minors will face a fine of 50,000 rufiyaa (approximately 3,200 dollars). Those using electronic cigarettes will be fined 5,000 rufiyaa (approximately 320 dollars).
NEW ZEALAND HAD BACKED DOWN
A similar "intergenerational smoking ban" is still going through the legislative process in the United Kingdom. New Zealand, which was the first to implement this law, had withdrawn it less than a year after it came into effect in November 2023.
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