Maldives Make History with a Lifetime Smoking Ban

The Maldives have quietly stepped into the spotlight for their new policy on public health by becoming the first country in the world to impose a lifetime smoking ban on a full generation. From November 1st 2025 anyone born on or after January 1st 2007 will be permanently banned from buying, selling or using tobacco products within the Maldive islands. This law isn't subjected to just the locals either, it has a direct effect on tourists too.

What the Law Says

Here are some key points of the new legislation covered by CBS:

• The ban covers anyone born on or after 1st January 2027 meaning even when that person turns 18, 30, 50+ they will never be legally allowed to buy, sell or smoke tobacco in the Maldives.
• The rule officially got the green light from the President's office earlier this year, updating the country's old Tobacco Control act to include a new generation-wide ban
• Includes measures for verification of buyer age, vendor responsibility and broad bands on vaping, importing machinery for tobacco production and sponsorship / advertising.
• This law applies to both local and visitors.

Why it's Significant

This is a big deal, not just for the Maldives but globally. It's the first generational smoking ban to actually make it into law, whilst other countries debated the idea, it ended up in smoke. The Maldives have been striving for a tobacco free generation and I'm impressed it's been passed, hopefully other countries will take note of this milestone.

How Will it Actually Be Enforced?

Honestly, this is the hardest part of any law, especially laws of this nature. In 30 years time, it will be extremely difficult to differentiate people smoking in the street who are born prior to 2007 and who isn't. Currently there's no comment from the Maldives about their enforcing plans but if I can give you one recommendation it'll be if you're going to the Maldives, respect their laws. Don't be that guy.

BudgetBro's Time to Shine

We've been working super hard over the last nine months developing an app specifically made for travellers, we're in our final stages of development and we are aiming for a January launch. Just like all great things in life, they're never done by one person therefor we'd like your help. Make sure to checkout our crowdfunding page and if you don't have the means to contribute, that's perfectly ok 💚 sharing, commenting, watching our content on Instagram is just as important.