Maldives Implements Historic Smoking Ban

In a groundbreaking move, the Maldives has introduced its first-ever smoking ban. This law, effective from November 1, impacts anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, making it illegal for this generation to smoke, buy, or use tobacco products.

The Ministry of Health heralded this initiative as a significant advancement in efforts to promote public health and foster a tobacco-free generation.

The ban is comprehensive, covering all tobacco products and mandating that retailers check the age of customers before any sale. Additionally, the Maldives has instituted a total prohibition on the import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes, irrespective of the buyer’s age.

“This intergenerational tobacco ban underscores our commitment to safeguarding young people from the dangers of tobacco,” stated the ministry.

The World Health Organization has classified tobacco use as an epidemic, labeling it one of the most pressing public health threats globally, with over 7 million deaths attributable to tobacco-related diseases annually.

“No form of tobacco is safe, and there truly isn’t a safe level of exposure to it,” the organization emphasized, further noting that smoking remains the predominant method of tobacco consumption worldwide.

The Maldives stands out as the first nation to institute this type of smoking ban across generations. New Zealand had previously suggested a similar measure, intending to restrict sales of cigarettes to anyone born after January 1, 2009, but this proposal was retracted in 2023 before implementation.

Meanwhile, the UK is also contemplating comparable legislation, the Tobacco and Vaping Bill, which could prohibit anyone born after January 1, 2009, from buying tobacco products or vaping.