The Maldives has become the first country in the world to completely ban the use of tobacco for anyone born after January 1, 2007. This new law will start from November 1, 2025, and its main goal is to build a smoke-free generation.
Maldives Becomes World’s First Generational Smoking Ban
1. What the Law Says:
- Anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, cannot buy, use, or be sold any kind of tobacco product.
- The ban includes all forms of tobacco — cigarettes, cigars, and even vaping or e-cigarettes.
- The law applies to both citizens and tourists visiting the Maldives.
2. Penalties and Fines:
- Retailers must check the buyer’s age before selling tobacco.
- If a shop sells tobacco to a banned person, they can be fined 50,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa (about $3,200).
- Anyone caught using or possessing vaping or e-cigarettes will be fined 5,000 Rufiyaa ($320).
3. Why This Law is Important:
- The Maldives wants to protect public health and stop young people from getting addicted to smoking.
- This law shows a zero-tolerance policy toward tobacco and vaping.
- It aims to make the next generation completely tobacco-free.
4. Comparison with Other Countries:
- New Zealand: First country to try this type of ban in 2022, but cancelled it in 2023.
- United Kingdom: Still working on passing a similar law.
- Australia and Canada: Focus on anti-smoking ads and packaging but have no generational ban yet.
5. Key Takeaways:
- Maldives = Only country with an active generational tobacco ban.
- Ban starts from 1 November 2025.
- Applies to people born after 1 January 2007.
- Covers vaping and e-cigarettes too.
- Goal: Create a smoke-free generation.
Question & Answer
Q1. Which country has become the first in the world to enforce a generational smoking ban?
(a) New Zealand
(b) United Kingdom
(c) Maldives
(d) Australia
Answer: Maldives
Explanation: The Maldives is the only country with an active law banning tobacco use for those born after January 1, 2007.
Q2. From which date will the Maldives’ generational smoking ban take effect?
(a) 1 January 2024
(b) 1 November 2025
(c) 1 March 2025
(d) 1 November 2023
Answer: 1 November 2025
Explanation: The new tobacco law will be implemented starting November 1, 2025.
Q3. The Maldives’ new law bans tobacco use for people born after which date?
(a) 1 January 2005
(b) 1 January 2007
(c) 1 January 2010
(d) 1 January 2012
Answer: 1 January 2007
Explanation: Anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, cannot buy or use tobacco in the Maldives.
Q4. What is the fine for a retailer selling tobacco to a restricted person in the Maldives?
(a) 5,000 Rufiyaa
(b) 10,000 Rufiyaa
(c) 50,000 Rufiyaa
(d) 100,000 Rufiyaa
Answer: 50,000 Rufiyaa
Explanation: Sellers who fail to verify age can be fined 50,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa (about $3,200).
Q5. Which of the following countries repealed its generational smoking ban in 2023?
(a) Maldives
(b) United Kingdom
(c) New Zealand
(d) Canada
Answer: New Zealand
Explanation: New Zealand introduced the generational ban in 2022 but repealed it in November 2023.
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