Country introduces smoking ban for anyone born after January 2007

Anyone living in the Maldives and born after January 1, 2007 could be affected by the first-ever generational smoking ban.

On November 1, a new law — proposed by the country’s President Mohamed Muizzu earlier this year — came into force in the country, banning an entire generation from smoking, purchasing or consuming tobacco.

In a press release, the Ministry of Health called this “a historic milestone in the country’s efforts to protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation.”

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The ban applies to all forms of tobacco and retailers are required to verify the age of users before any sale.

The Maldives also maintains a complete ban on the importation, sale, distribution, possession and use of e-cigarettes and vaping products, regardless of age.

Maldives authorities say the move marks a “historic milestone” for public health. (iStock)

“The generational tobacco ban reflects the government’s firm commitment to protecting young people from the harms of tobacco,” the ministry added in the press release.

The World Health Organization has called tobacco use an “epidemic” and “one of the greatest public health threats the world has ever faced.”

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WHO data shows that smoking is responsible for more than seven million deaths per year, as well as long-term disability and suffering from tobacco-related diseases.

The new law prohibits anyone born after January 1, 2007 from purchasing or consuming tobacco products. (iStock)

“All forms of tobacco use are harmful and there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco,” the agency states.

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The organization added that smoking is the most common form of tobacco use worldwide.

The law complements existing restrictions on e-cigarettes and vaping products. (iStock)

The Maldives is the first country to see a generational smoking ban come to fruition, although New Zealand has proposed a ban that would have banned the sale of tobacco to people born after January 1, 2009, from 2024.

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However, before the ban could come into effect, it was overturned in 2023.

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Britain is currently considering a similar law, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which, if passed, would ban anyone born after January 1, 2009 from purchasing tobacco or vape products.