Maldives permanently bans smoking for anyone born after 2006

The Maldives has become the first country in the world to ban tobacco use for an entire generation, after a new law took effect Saturday.

Under the rule, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 2007, is permanently banned from buying, using or being sold cigarettes or any other tobacco products in the country, the Maldives Health Ministry announced.

That means that anyone who's 18 or younger today will never be able to legally smoke in the nation, even as they age.

The law is meant to "protect public health and promote a tobacco-free generation," the ministry explained.

The ban applies to both residents and tourists visiting the Maldives, a nation of nearly 1,200 small coral islands within the Indian Ocean.

Retailers must verify a person's age before selling tobacco and selling to someone who is under the age cutoff can lead to a 50,000 rufiyaa (about $3,200) fine, CBS News reported.

What's more, the country already has a full ban on the import, sale and use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices for people of all ages.

Anyone caught using a vape can be fined 5,000 rufiyaa (about $320).

Only one other country -- New Zealand -- has attempted a similar generational smoking ban. It was repealed in 2023.

The United Kingdom also considered a version of the law, CBS News reported.

Source : https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2025/11/05/maldives-smoking-banned-entire-generation-Maldives/3071762365100/

Comprehension

Which country became the first in the world to ban tobacco use for an entire generation?
Who is affected by the new tobacco ban in the Maldives?
What kinds of tobacco products are included in the ban?
Does the ban apply only to residents, or also to tourists?
What is the fine for selling tobacco to someone who is under the age cutoff?
What is already banned in the Maldives for people of all ages?
Which other country previously tried a similar smoking ban but later repealed it?
What is the main purpose of the new law, according to the Health Ministry?

Discussion

What do you think about the Maldives’ decision to ban tobacco for a whole generation?
Do you think this law will help improve public health? Why or why not?
How might the ban affect tourism in the Maldives?
Should other countries introduce similar generational bans?
What challenges might the government face in enforcing this law?
Why do you think smoking is still common even though it is known to be harmful?
What are some effective ways to reduce smoking among young people?
How does smoking affect families and communities?
Should vaping be treated the same way as smoking under the law?
What are the benefits of living in a tobacco-free society?

Vocabulary

Ban – to officially say that something is not allowed.
Generation – all people born and living around the same period.
Tobacco – the dried leaves used to make cigarettes and cigars.
Verify – to check or confirm that something is true.
Fine – money paid as a punishment for breaking a rule or law.
Resident – a person who lives in a place.
Tourist – someone who travels to another place for vacation.
Repeal – to cancel or reverse a law.