The Maldives is the first country in the world to ban smoking for the generation after 2007

Maldives bans smoking for all people after 2007

The Maldives has officially become the first country in the world, which introduced a nationwide ban on smoking and the sale of tobacco products to all those born after 1 January 2007, including tourists.

This is reported by the BBC, The decision is part of the government's programme to protect health and prevent addictions among young people.

How the ban will work

The country's authorities explained that the ban applies to all types of tobacco - cigarettes, cigars, vapes, hookah tobacco and nicotine devices.
Retailers are obliged to check the documents of customers, and violations of the rules result in fines and licence revocation.

The aim of the initiative

The Ministry of Health of the Maldives said that the innovation should reduce the number of smokers in the country and create a «tobacco-free generation».
The government is also planning to expand the programme to cover alcohol and other harmful habits among minors.

International reaction

WHO experts welcomed the Maldives« decision, calling it a »historic step" in the fight against the global tobacco epidemic. Similar initiatives are also being considered in New Zealand and Singapore.