The provision for those born after January 2007, including tourists
The Maldives today began implementing a smoking ban for anyone born after January 2007, becoming the only nation with a ‘generational’ tobacco ban. This was announced by the Ministry of Health.
The initiative, launched by 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 1 January 2007 are prohibited from purchasing, using or selling tobacco products within the Maldives,” he added.
“The ban applies to all forms of tobacco and retailers are required to verify age before sale.”
The measure also applies to visitors to the nation of 1,191 tiny coral islets spread across about 800 kilometers, known for its luxury tourism. The ministry said it also maintains a comprehensive ban on the import, sale, distribution, possession and use of e-cigarettes and vaping products, applicable to all individuals, regardless of age.
Selling tobacco products to a minor carries a fine of 50,000 rufiyaa ($3,200), while using vaping devices carries a fine of 5,000 rufiyaa ($320). A similar generational ban proposed in Britain is still in the legislative process, while New Zealand, the first country to enact an anti-smoking law, repealed it in November 2023, less than a year after it was introduced.
