Unique legislation in the world: Maldives bans smoking for people born after 2007. The measure, also valid for tourists
In the Maldives (Photo: SOPA Images / ddp USA / Profimedia)
Authorities in the Maldives have strengthened anti-smoking legislation and, starting Saturday, a legal provision came into force that prohibits the use of tobacco products by anyone born after January 2007, becoming the only nation in the world with a generational ban on this type of product, the Ministry of Health said, AFP and France 24 inform.
The measure, initiated by the Indian Ocean state's president Mohamed Muizzu earlier this year and coming into force on November 1, 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 buying, consuming or selling 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 ministry said.
The measure also applies to those visiting the small nation of 1,191 coral islets scattered about 800 kilometers along the equator and known for luxury tourism.
The ministry said it also maintains the complete ban on the import, sale, distribution, possession and use of e-cigarettes and vaping products, applicable to all persons regardless of age.
Selling tobacco products to a minor is punishable by a fine of 50,000 rufiyaa, equivalent to $3,200, and using vaping devices is punishable by a fine of 5,000 rufiyaa, about $320.
A similar proposed ban in the UK is still being legislated, while New Zealand, the first country to pass such an anti-smoking law, repealed it in November 2023, less than a year after its introduction.
