Maldives Enacts Nationwide Generational Tobacco Ban

The Maldives has become the first country to enact a nationwide generational tobacco ban, making it illegal for anyone born on or after January 1, 2007 to buy, use, or be sold tobacco products. The law, introduced by President Mohamed Muizzu and effective November 1, covers all forms of tobacco, applies to residents and visitors, and builds on a prior nationwide ban on e‑cigarettes and vaping. Retailers must strictly verify customers’ ages and face fines reported up to 50,000 rufiyaa (about $3,200) for noncompliance, while vaping offenses carry separate smaller penalties. The measure also restricts under‑21 participation in tobacco‑related sales and bans tobacco advertising and promotion. The government says the policy is a long‑term public‑health strategy aligned with WHO obligations and officials say it should not harm tourism.