Maldives Implements Generational Tobacco Ban

Effective as of Saturday, the Maldives has become pioneer in enforcing a unique smoking legislation targeting future generations. The ban targets individuals born on January 1, 2007, and onwards, prohibiting them from buying, consuming, or being supplied with tobacco.

This bold initiative, championed by President Mohamed Muizzu earlier this year, aims to safeguard the nation's public health by fostering a tobacco-free cohort in the future.

Retailers across the Maldives are now mandated to verify age to ensure compliance, barring anyone born after the specified date from accessing tobacco products. This prohibition extends across all tobacco variations.

Inclusion of Visitors in Tobacco Restrictions

The sweeping measure does not just apply to Maldivian citizens. Tourists and visitors in this archipelago, renowned for its high-end resorts and stunning coral formations, are also subjected to these new rules.

Further intensifying its anti-tobacco stance, the Health Ministry has outright banned importation, commercial sale, distribution, and possession of electronic cigarettes and related vaping devices, irrespective of the user's age.

Enforcement and Penalties

Maldivian law now imposes strict penalties to deter violations. Any instance of selling tobacco to individuals below the prescribed age attracts a fine of 50,000 Rufiyaa, approximately $3,200. Meanwhile, engagement with vaping devices could result in a penalty of 5,000 Rufiyaa, or $320.

Global Context

It's noteworthy that this Maldivian generational tobacco ban mirrors efforts in other regions, where similar policies are either under legislative scrutiny or, as seen in New Zealand, have been repealed after a short-lived tenure.