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The Maldives has reportedly become the first country to implement a generational smoking ban from November 1, 2025. According to the health ministry, anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, is now banned from smoking, buying, or using tobacco.The ministry added that the ban was meant to reflect "the government's strong commitment to protecting young people from the harms of tobacco." According to NBC News, over 25% of the population over the age of 15 in the Maldives uses tobacco, as per a 2021 survey.Pop Crave @PopCraveLINKThe Maldives has banned people born on or after January 1st 2007 from smoking tobacco. It becomes the first country to impose a generational smoking ban.News of the generational smoking ban was met with varied responses from netizens on X. One user compared the ban to the current rise of vape usage among kids and teenagers in the United States, writing:"First New Zealand banned it, now the Maldives, meanwhile the U.S. still can’t even ban flavored vapes for kids. Other countries are moving into 2050 while America’s still arguing about cigarette taxes."NOBLE @iamnoblefxLINK@PopCrave First New Zealand banned it, now the Maldives, meanwhile the U.S. still can’t even ban flavored vapes for kids. Other countries are moving into 2050 while America’s still arguing about cigarette taxes.Several netizens praised the country for enforcing the tobacco ban, calling it a "bold and historic move."Adrian Tenet @AdrianTenetLINKA country that chose lungs over lobbying, rare air in today’s world.Joelyn Jane @Joelyn45205201LINK@PopCrave This rule should be nation worldwide protect the young generationForex OG 🦅 @Forex_OGLINK@PopCrave That’s a bold and historic move 👏 If it actually holds up, the Maldives might become the blueprint for how to end smoking for good! Although I’m pretty sure tobacco lobbyists are already panicking rn😂Wes @liveeforgagaLINK@PopCrave They are so real for this bc drugs and substance abuse is such a rising issue amongst new generation which needs immediate attention otherwise the future will be doomedMeanwhile, others resorted to humor to react to the news, jokingly adding that the ban forced a whole generation to become healthy.skrptd @iamskrptdLINK@PopCrave 2006 gang smoking in celebration like it's 1999Chai @chai_lensLINK@PopCrave People running to edit birth certificateDexrk @dexrkLINK@PopCrave 2006 babies lighting up in victory rn𝔸𝖍𝐦𝐚𝐝 @0xRufaILINK@PopCrave Whole generation just got forced to be healthy 😂The Maldives will enforce the ban on touristsAccording to CBS News, the Maldives' generational ban on tobacco was prompted by President Mohamed Muizzu earlier this year to "protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation." As per a press release from the archipelago's Ministry of Health, vendors are told to verify customers' age before selling them tobacco products.Additionally, the country (made up of 1,191 tiny coral islets over 500 miles) also enforced a nationwide ban on electronic cigarettes and vaping for all citizens regardless of age in late 2024."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 ban applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers are required to verify age prior to sale. The Maldives also maintains a comprehensive ban on the import, sale, distribution, possession and use of electronic cigarettes and vaping products, applicable to all individuals regardless of age," the press release added.Lawbreakers will reportedly be asked to pay a fine. Selling tobacco to an underage person will result in a 50,000 rufiyaa fine. Meanwhile, using vape devices carries a fine of 5,000 rufiyaa.World Health Organization South-East Asia @WHOSEAROLINKCongratCongratulations, #Maldives 🇲🇻, for introducing a generational tobacco ban, becoming the first country in the world 🌏.👉🏾 This 🆕 law prohibits the sale and use of tobacco for anyone born on or after 1 January 2007.👉🏾 This historic milestone paves the way for a #tobacco-free generation and pushes the world a step closer to reduce noncommunicable diseases.🌟 An inspiring example for countries committed to safeguarding the health of future generations#SayNoToTobacco #beatNCDsulations, #Maldives 🇲🇻, for introducing a generational tobacco ban, becoming the first country in the world 🌏. 👉🏾 This 🆕 law prohibits the sale and use of tobacco for anyone born on or after 1 January 2007. 👉🏾 This historic milestone paves the way for a #tobacco-freeSpeaking to told BBC World Service's Newshour programme, Ahmed Afaal, Vice Chairman of the country's tobacco control board, said the country's vape ban was a "good step towards a generation of tobacco-free citizens." He also added that tourists visiting the islands must follow the new tobacco ban, saying he believed this news would not affect tourism."People don't come to the Maldives because they're able to smoke. They come for the beaches, they come for the sea, they come for the sun, and they come for the fresh air...We're projecting more than 2 million [tourists] in the next year," he added.While the Maldives is the first country to successfully implement a generational tobacco ban, similar bans have been suggested in the UK and New Zealand. In 2022, New Zealand passed a law to prevent tobacco sales to citizens born on or after January 1, 2009. The law, scheduled to be implemented from 2024, was rolled back after a new government took power in 2023.Meanwhile, the UK Parliament is currently working on passing a similar bill to prohibit smoking, vaping, and tobacco usage for anybody born on or after January 1, 2009.
