Maldives protects future generations: Smoking ban introduced

The Maldives is introducing a ban on smoking tobacco for young people born on or after January 1, 2007.

This makes the Maldives the only country in the world to implement a national tobacco ban across generations.

The Ministry of Health announced that the use, purchase or sale of tobacco to younger generations will be illegal.

"This ban reflects the government's strong commitment to protecting young people from the harmful effects of tobacco."

Ahmed Afal, deputy chairman of the tobacco control board, told BBC Newsaur that last year's ban on e-cigarettes was a good step towards a generation that does not use tobacco products.

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The new ban applies to all forms of tobacco products, and sellers are required to verify the age of customers before selling, according to a statement from the Maldives Ministry of Health.

This measure is in line with Mladiva's obligations under the World Health Organization (WHO) Convention on Tobacco Control.

"This convention provides a global response to a global problem, namely the tobacco epidemic," the statement reads.

Affal said the crackdown on e-cigarettes in the country was an important first step, as "these new, modern devices represent an industry tactic to attract young people."

Last year, the Maldives banned the import, possession, use, and distribution of electronic cigarettes and vaping products, regardless of age.

Tourists coming to the Maldives will also have to comply with the law, and Afal claims that the smoking ban will not have a negative impact on tourism.

"People don't come to the Maldives because they can smoke. They come for the beaches, for the sea, the sun and the fresh air," he added.

He pointed out that despite the new regulations, there were no cancellations of tourist arrangements and that the number of tourist arrivals had increased in the past year.

"We expect more than two million tourists next year," he said.

New Zealand's plans to introduce a generational smoking ban were scrapped in 2023 after a new government came to power.

The move has been criticized by many health experts, particularly among Maori, who have one of the highest smoking rates.

Last year, then-British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wanted to introduce legislation that would ban smoking for young people born in 2009 and later.

The new version of the bill, introduced by the current government, has passed through the House of Commons and is currently being considered by the House of Lords Committee, approaching the final stages before receiving Royal Assent.

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