Contrary to public opinion, generational smoking ban to be imposed from 2007 onwards

The government, on Sunday, resolved to implement a generational tobacco ban, prohibiting the sale, purchase, and use of tobacco products for individuals born on or after January 1, 2007.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had floated the idea of introducing a generational ban on smoking during an episode of his ‘Rayyithunnaa Eku’ podcast series on March 27. In another episode on April 2, he outlined three potential approaches for the ban:

• Prohibiting smoking for all individuals born on or after January 1, 2007
• Prohibiting smoking for all individuals born on or after January 1, 2004
• Prohibiting smoking for all individuals born on or after January 1, 2000

It targets the 18–25 age group.

The next day, he opened a poll regarding the three proposals via his official X account. The majority of people voted in favor of implementing a smoking ban for individuals born 2000 onwards.

The cabinet convened on Sunday during which they deliberated on the generational smoking ban.

The cabinet resolved to implement a generational tobacco ban, prohibiting the sale, purchase, and use of tobacco products for individuals born on or after January 1, 2007, after deliberating on the proposal from Health Ministry. As such, enforcement agencies have been instructed to begin amending relevant laws and regulations to facilitate the introduction of the ban.

The cabinet decision specified the allocation of a six-month period for enforcement authorities to revise existing regulations following the amendment and ratification of the law. The new legislation is set to come into force on November 01, 2025.

Finance Ministry was also instructed to work closely with Health Ministry to ensure improved access to tobacco cessation services across the country.

The current administration launched a campaign against smoking last year, introducing a ban vapes and cigarettes, and doubling import duty and taxes on cigarettes.