Ever fancied sipping coconuts by the turquoise waters without the smell of smoke? In the Maldives, that dream just got real for Gen Z! 🚭🌴
As of Nov 1, 2023, anyone born on or after Jan 1, 2007–those still in school or just stepping into uni–can't buy, use, or be sold any tobacco products. Even if you're a visitor checking out the island-hopping life, you'll need to prove you're older than 16 if you want to light up–but spoiler: you can't.
This generational ban, championed by President Muizzu, makes the Maldives the world's first nation to lock in a tobacco-free future for an entire age group. Retailers must verify ages, and e-cigs? Totally out of bounds for everyone.
Got caught selling to under-2007-born? That's a 50,000 rufiyaa (~$3,200) hit. Vaping? 5,000 rufiyaa (~$320) gone in a puff. 💸
Across the globe, the UK is still drafting its similar rule, while New Zealand scrapped theirs late last year–so for now, the Maldives stands solo with this bold move. 🌍💪
Whether you're chilling on a beach in Goa, snapping insta-worthy waves in Bali, or planning your Maldives getaway, this ban is shaking up how we think about public health. Could this fresh-air trend catch on in South and Southeast Asia? Let's watch this space! 👀✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
