Smoking banned for a generation under sweeping new national law
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Anyone living in the Maldives and born after January 1, 2007 may be affected by the first 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 it a “historic milestone in the nation’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 must verify the age of consumers before any sale.
The Maldives also maintains a complete ban on the import, sale, distribution, possession and use of electronic cigarettes and vaping products, regardless of age.
Maldivian authorities say the move marks a “historic milestone” for public health. (iStock)
“The Generational Tobacco Ban reflects the Government’s strong commitment to protecting young people from the harms of tobacco,” the Ministry added in the statement.
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 tobacco use is responsible for more than seven million deaths a 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 using 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 cigarette 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 implemented, although New Zealand proposed a ban that would have prohibited the sale of tobacco to those born after January 1, 2009, starting in 2024.
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However, before the ban could come into effect, it was repealed in 2023.
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Britain is currently considering a similar law, the Tobacco and Vaporizers Act, which, if passed, would prohibit anyone born after January 1, 2009 from purchasing tobacco or vaporizer products.
Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant at News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a range of topics including food and drink, travel and health.