The Maldives is introducing a tobacco ban for all people born after January 1, 2007. This makes it illegal to buy, sell and use tobacco, with the aim of “promoting a tobacco-free generation.”
Anyone who sells tobacco to a person under the age limit risks a fine of almost SEK 33,000. It will also be prohibited to import, sell and use e-cigarettes and vapes, writes The Guardian .
The ban, which comes into effect on November 1, applies to both residents and tourists in the country.
Last year, the Maldives raised the legal smoking age from 18 to 21.
New Zealand was the first country to pass a similar anti-smoking law, but repealed it in 2023 – even before it came into effect. A similar law has also been proposed in the UK.
