Do generational smoking bans really work?

The Maldives has become the first country to enforce a generational smoking ban-barring those born on or after 1 January 2007 from buying, selling, or using tobacco in any form. This applies to tourists too. Elsewhere, such bans met with little success. Do these bans work?

- BY SOUMYA GUPTA

1 What is the Maldives' new tobacco policy?

The Maldives is the world's first country to ban 'generational smoking. It has barred under 18year-olds from buying, selling or using tobacco, and retailers have must verify buyers' age. Tourists are covered too, but the government doesn't expect the ban to hit its mainstay tourism business. Last year, Maldives had banned vapes and e-cigarettes under its anti-tobacco law. Tobacco use was also banned in government buildings, and firms could lose their licence if it is illegally used on their premises. President Muizzu has reiterated Maldives will invest in youngsters' health, as the population ages.

2 But, do such bans really work?