The Maldives on Saturday officially began implementing a landmark generational smoking ban, prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to anyone born in or after January 2007, according to France 24.
By announcing this ban, the Maldives becomes the first in the world to regulate an age-based restriction on tobacco, according to the Health Ministry.
“Under the new provision, individuals born on or after January 1, 2007, are prohibited from purchasing, using, or being sold tobacco products within the Maldives,” the ministry added.
Initiated by President Mohamed Muizzu, the ban was unveiled this year and brought into force on November 1.
The ministry also noted that this regulation will “protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation.”
At the same time, the authorities enforce a full ban on the import, sale, distribution, possession, and use of electronic cigarettes and vaping products. Notably, this prohibition applies to everyone, regardless of age.
The ministry clarified that those who sells tobacco products to minors shall be punished by a fine of 50,000 rufiyaa ($3,200). Meanwhile, the use of vaping devices shall incur a fine of 5,000-rufiyaa ($320) penalty.
Similarly, the UK has taken this generational ban, but the measure still requires a parliamentary approval.
Related Topics:
Saudi Arabia Sets New Strict Rules on Tobacco Sale
Kingdom Leads Tobacco Control Conference in Panama
The Relationship Between Smoking Tobacco and Cancer
