Anyone living in the Maldives born after Jan. 1, 2007, may be affected by the first-ever generational smoking ban.
On Nov. 1, a new law — proposed by the country’s President Mohamed Muizzu earlier this year — took effect in the country, banning an entire generation from smoking, purchasing or using tobacco.
In a press release, the Ministry of Health called it a « historic milestone in the nation’s efforts to protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation. »
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The ban applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers are required to verify the age of users prior to any sale.
The Maldives also maintains a complete ban on the import, sale, distribution, possession and use of electronic cigarettes and vaping products, regardless of age.
« The Generational Ban on Tobacco reflects the Government’s strong commitment to protecting young people from the harms of tobacco, » the Ministry added in the statement.
The World Health Organization has called tobacco use an « epidemic » and « one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. »
The WHO’s data shows that tobacco use is responsible for over seven million deaths annually, as well as disability and long-term suffering from tobacco-related diseases.
« All forms of tobacco use are harmful, and there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco, » the agency states.
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The organization added that cigarette smoking is the most common form of tobacco use worldwide.
The Maldives is the first country to see a generational smoking ban come to fruition, although New Zealand proposed a ban that would have outlawed tobacco sales to those born after Jan. 1, 2009, starting in 2024.
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Before the ban could take effect, however, it was struck down in 2023.
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Britain is currently considering a similar law, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which, if passed, would prohibit anyone born after Jan. 1, 2009, from buying tobacco products or vapes.
Source link : https://www.foxnews.com/health/smoking-banned-entire-generation-under-sweeping-new-national-law
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Publish date : 2025-11-04 22:28:00
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