The Maldives has banned smoking for people born after 2007.
Фото: pixabay
On November 1, a complete smoking ban came into effect in the Maldives for individuals born after January 2007. The country became the first in the world to officially introduce a so-called “generation ban” on tobacco.
The Guardian reports this, citing the Maldives Ministry of Health.
“Under the new regulation, persons born on or after January 1, 2007, are prohibited from purchasing, using, or selling tobacco products in the Maldives,” the department stated.
The initiative was introduced by President Mohamed Muizzu at the beginning of the year and is aimed at “protecting public health and creating a tobacco-free generation.”
Under the new regulations, the ban covers all types of tobacco products, and sellers are now required to verify the age of buyers. The restrictions also apply to tourists visiting the country.
Furthermore, the Maldives has introduced a complete ban on electronic cigarettes and vapes – their import, sale, possession, and use are prohibited for everyone, regardless of age.
The fine for selling tobacco products to minors is $3,200, and for using vapes, it is $320.
The publication notes that a similar initiative is currently being considered in the UK, while New Zealand, which was the first country in the world to pass a “tobacco-free generation” law, repealed it in November 2023, less than a year after it came into force.
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