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The Maldives, a favourite winter sun destination for Brits, has become the first country globally to implement a generational smoking ban. The law, effective from 1 November, prohibits anyone born on or after January 1 2007 from buying or selling tobacco products. The health minister of the South Asian island nation hailed the legislation as a "historic milestone in the nation's efforts to protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation". All forms of tobacco are included in the ban, and retailers must confirm customers' ages before any sale. Hefty penalties have been introduced for those who ignore the new rules. Selling tobacco to underage individuals now incurs a fine of 50,000 rufiyaa (£2,465), while using vape devices carries a penalty of 5,000 rufiyaa (£246). The restrictions also apply to tourists visiting the luxury Indian Ocean archipelago, where some exclusive island resorts charge up to £100,000 per night, or £1.4 million for a two-week stay. Ahmed Afaal, the vice chair of the archipelago's tobacco control board, is not worried about the ban negatively impacting tourism: "People don't come to the Maldives because they're able to smoke," he said. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here . "They come for the beaches, they come for the sea, they come for the sun, and they come for the fresh air," reports the Express, reports Nottinghamshire Live . Visitor numbers to the Maldives have actually increased over the past year, with projections suggesting more than two million tourists in the upcoming year, he added. The Maldives has now joined an expanding list of countries globally that are implementing smoking bans or stricter restrictions. In September, Belgium declared it will ban smoking and vaping on its public terraces, as well as eliminating smoking rooms in bars, airports and shisha lounges from January 1 2027. The new rules also require hospitality venues to display clear no-smoking signs, or they could face penalties if they overlook violations, fail to remove ashtrays or promote smoking. "Protecting people's health and creating a healthy environment for everyone is what matters to us," stated Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke. "With these measures, we prevent children and adults from involuntarily inhaling harmful cigarette smoke and ensure that people are not tempted to light up a cigarette.
