US EditionMaldives begins 'generational ban' on smoking
The Maldives is the first country to ban tobacco sales and use for those born after 2007, including tourists, to promote a tobacco-free generation, officials said.
- On November 1, 2025, the Maldives implemented a generational tobacco ban, with the Health Ministry saying the goal is to `protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation.`
- The new rule specifies individuals born on or after January 1, 2007 are barred from tobacco, and retailers in the Maldives must verify buyers' ages; President Mohamed Muizzu backed it earlier this year.
- Enforcement includes a 50,000 rufiyaa fine for retailers selling to underage persons, a 5,000 rufiyaa fine for using banned vape devices, and a ban on electronic cigarettes and vapes for all ages.
- The move makes the Maldives the only country with a generational ban, which also covers tourists in a nation of 1,191 coral islets spanning about 800 kilometres known for luxury tourism.
- Internationally, New Zealand repealed a similar generational smoking ban in November 2023 less than a year after introduction, while Britain still faces legislative hurdles considering a comparable proposal.
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Anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, is now prohibited from purchasing or using tobacco products in the Maldives. This ban will remain in effect for the rest of their lives.
In the Maldives, people born from 2007 onwards will no longer be allowed to smoke. It is the first country with such a rule, the UK plans to do something similar.
The ban will remain in effect for their entire lives. Other countries are also considering such a ban.
leprogres.fr
In the Maldives, anyone born after January 1, 2007, whether resident or tourist, is prohibited from selling and consuming tobacco. A major campaign by President Mohamed Muizzu, this law came into effect this Saturday.
Maldives began to apply a smoking ban for all persons born after January 2007, becoming the only country with a general ban on tobacco, according to the Ministry of Health. The measure, initiated by the President...
White sandy beaches, palm trees, sea and sun – for many holidaymakers, the Maldives sound like pure relaxation. However, some tourists will have to compromise in the future. Because the holiday paradise in the Indian Ocean has introduced a smoking ban for all who were born after 2006. Anyone who has seen the light of the world from 1 January 2007 can't buy, consume or sell tobacco products in the holiday paradise, the Ministry of Health said. Th…
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