Ready to breathe easy on your next tropical getaway? The Maldives just dropped a game-changing rule: anyone born on or after January 1, 2007 can no longer buy or use tobacco products in the island nation. 🚭🌴
Launched on November 1 by President Mohamed Muizzu, this “generational ban” is the world’s first of its kind. Instead of just raising the smoking age year by year, the Maldives has drawn a bold line: if you’re part of Gen Z, you’re smoke-free for life.
Health Ministry officials say the move aims to protect public health and create a tobacco-free generation. That means no cigarettes, no cigars, and no hookahs for the next wave of young islanders—plus tourists need to play by the same rules too!
Retailers must check IDs before selling any tobacco items. Slip up, and the fines can sting: ₨50,000 (around $3,200) for selling to someone under the ban, and ₨5,000 ($320) for getting caught vaping. 💸
The Maldives already outlaws e-cigarettes and vaping for everyone, so this new policy adds another layer to its anti-smoking efforts. It’s a bold step compared to the UK’s proposal, which is still in the works, and New Zealand’s experiment, which lasted less than a year.
For students, travelers, or young entrepreneurs curious about global health trends, the Maldives’ generational ban offers a fresh case study on how countries can tackle smoking head-on. Who knows—will more nations follow suit? 🤔
Whether you're planning a snorkel adventure or scrolling through beach vibes online, remember: the Maldives is now smoke-free for Gen Z. And that’s something worth cheering for! 🏝️✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
