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The Maldives has introduced a groundbreaking law permanently banning tobacco use for an entire generation, effective Saturday.
Under the new regulation, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2007, is prohibited from buying, using, or being sold cigarettes or other tobacco products. This means that individuals 18 or younger today will never be able to legally smoke in the country as they grow older.
The Health Ministry said the measure is designed to "protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation." The ban applies to both residents and tourists across the island nation, which consists of nearly 1,200 coral islands in the Indian Ocean.
Retailers are required to verify age before selling tobacco, and selling to anyone under the age cutoff can result in a fine of 50,000 rufiyaa (about $3,200). The Maldives also maintains a complete ban on e-cigarettes and vaping devices for all ages, with fines of 5,000 rufiyaa (around $320) for violations.
Only one other country, New Zealand, previously attempted a similar generational smoking ban, but it was repealed in 2023.
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