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Maldives Enacts Generational Tobacco Ban, Effective Today

Officials describe the move as a public-health step to build a tobacco‑free generation.

The Maldives began implementing a smoking ban on anyone born after January 2007, becoming the only nation with a generational prohibition on tobacco
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Maldives becomes first country to enforce generational smoking ban

Overview

  • The law bars anyone born on or after January 1, 2007 from buying, using, or being sold tobacco anywhere in the country.
  • The rules cover all tobacco products and extend to tourists visiting the Indian Ocean archipelago.
  • Retailers must check buyers’ ages, with a 50,000‑rufiyaa (about $3,200) penalty for selling to underage individuals.
  • A separate nationwide prohibition on e‑cigarettes and vaping remains in force for all ages, with a 5,000‑rufiyaa (about $320) fine for use.
  • The Maldives is currently the only country enforcing such a measure, with a similar UK plan still in Parliament and New Zealand’s law repealed in 2023.