The Maldives has banned anyone born in or after 2007 from ever buying tobacco.
The South Asian country has become the first in the world to enforce a generational ban on tobacco.
Meanwhile, the UK is debating a bill that would ban people born in or after 2009 from buying tobacco.
The ban
Under the ban, people born on or after 2007 are prohibited from buying or using tobacco products in the Maldives.
The ban applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers must check customers’ ID before selling it.
Violating the ban could result in a fine worth around $AU5,000.
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It follows a ban last year on e-cigarettes and vaping products, which applied to everyone in the Maldives, including tourists.
The country’s health ministry said the ban “promotes a tobacco free generation” and demonstrates the Government’s “strong commitment to protecting young people”.
Elsewhere
The Maldives’ ban comes a year after the UK Government introduced a bill to Parliament that would ban smoking for anyone born after 2009.
The bill has support from a majority of MPs and is currently before the upper house, the House of Lords.
This year, the UK banned single-use vapes.
