MALE – The Maldives is set to implement a groundbreaking generational smoking ban, making it illegal for anyone born after January 2007 to purchase tobacco products. The legislation, announced by the office of President Mohamed Muizzu, aims to gradually phase out smoking from future generations as part of the island nation’s broader public health initiative.
According to LiveWorldUpdates.com, the law is expected to come into effect on November 1, 2025, and would apply to citizens and tourists alike. The new regulation is part of a growing global trend aimed at eliminating tobacco use by cutting off access for younger age groups entirely.
New Tobacco Control Measures
While specific penalties for violating the new rule have yet to be disclosed, officials say they are actively amending existing tobacco legislation to align with the upcoming restrictions. As of November 2024, the Maldives raised the legal smoking age from 18 to 21 and imposed a ban on the import of e-cigarettes and vaping devices, regardless of whether the consumer is a resident or visitor.
This move strengthens the country’s already strict tobacco control framework and signals a significant shift toward long-term health protection for future generations.
A Global Trend Gaining Traction
The Maldives follows the lead of other nations exploring similar tobacco bans. The United Kingdom recently proposed a generational smoking law that is still under parliamentary review. New Zealand, once a trailblazer in this area, reversed its generational smoking ban in 2023, citing enforcement challenges and political backlash.
Despite such setbacks abroad, the Maldives remains committed to pushing forward with its legislation, citing public health data and global best practices.
This landmark policy positions the Maldives among a handful of countries taking bold legislative steps to eliminate tobacco addiction among future generations.
For more updates on global health policies, visit LiveWorldUpdates.com.
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