The Maldives has officially begun enforcing a nationwide smoking ban for anyone born after January 1, 2007,

[Augusta]

The Maldives has officially begun enforcing a nationwide smoking ban for anyone born after January 1, 2007, making it the first country in the world to fully implement a generational prohibition on tobacco, according to the Health Ministry.

The new regulation, which came into effect on November 1, was introduced under President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration earlier this year and is aimed at “protecting public health and promoting a tobacco-free generation.”

“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 said in an official statement. “The ban applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers are required to verify age prior to sale.”



The rule applies not only to citizens but also to visitors to the island nation, which is made up of more than 1,190 coral islets spread across the Indian Ocean and famed for its luxury tourism

 

[gwolf666]

I think the Maldives' initiative to implement a generational smoking ban is an innovative and quite ambitious measure. While I understand the intention is to protect the health of future generations, I also believe it could spark debates about individual freedom and state control. Limiting access to tobacco products to a certain age can be effective in reducing consumption, especially among young people, but it could also create a black market or incentivize young people to seek illegal alternatives. Furthermore, implementing such policies in a tourist destination could have economic and social repercussions, as many visitors might feel restricted or uncomfortable with these rules. Overall, I believe that public health prevention measures are necessary, but they must be accompanied by educational and awareness campaigns to be truly effective and not just another restriction.

 

[eLdavis]

Personally i think this is an awesome move cause there are so many persons whose life has been damaged from smoking.

 

[Kross]

Gen Z doesn't really have mental fortitude to not get addicted to smoking. They should not just smoke.