Parliament passes generational smoking ban for those born after 2007

Parliament has passed the amendment to the Tobacco Control Act, introducing a generational ban on tobacco sales.

Under the new law, individuals born on or after January 1, 2007, will be prohibited from purchasing tobacco products in Maldives.

The amendment, proposed by Kinbidhoo MP Ali Ashraq, was reviewed by the Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on the Tobacco Control Act and passed with a majority of 63 members voting in favor, while one voted against and another abstained.

The government says the bill aims to create a healthy, tobacco-free generation. If ratified by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the generational ban will take effect on November 1, following a six-month transition period.

The law places the responsibility on sellers to verify a buyer’s age and ensure they were born before 2007 and are at least 21 years old. Sellers will be required to ask for an ID card or valid official documentation if there’s any doubt about the buyer’s age.

While the bill was supported in Parliament, several members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) raised concerns during the debate, questioning the law’s implementation. They said that without proper implementation mechanisms, the amendment could lead to widespread noncompliance and the criminalization of youth.

The legal age for purchasing tobacco was raised from 18 to 21 last year, and a ban on vape imports came into effect on December 15.