New Delhi, Nov. 6 -- The Maldives has become the world's first country to enforce a generational smoking ban-prohibiting anyone born on or after 1 January 2007 from buying, selling, or using tobacco in any form, including cigarettes. The rule applies to tourists as well.

Other nations, including New Zealand and the UK, have attempted to ban smoking among children, but with little success. Mint examines whether these bans really work.

What does the Maldives' new policy on tobacco say?

The Maldives is the world's first country to ban 'generational smoking'. Besides barring anyone under the age of 18 from buying, selling, or using tobacco, it has ordered retailers to verify the age of every customer buying such products.

Though tourists ...