Qatar World Cup Bans Smoking and Vaping
In line with FIFA's tobacco policy and World Health Organization recommendations for major sporting events, Qatar has banned smoking and vaping inside stadiums during the FIFA World Cup. Since Qatar already prohibits the import, sale, and purchase of vapi
In line with FIFA’s tobacco policy and the World Health Organization’s recommendations for major sporting events, Qatar has banned smoking and vaping inside stadiums during the FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 30. 18.
Since Qatar already bans the import, sale, and purchase of e-cigarettes, the prohibition on vaping may seem redundant. Violators face fines of up to 10,000 Qatari riyals ($2,747) or up to three months in prison.
Qatar plans to deploy 80 tobacco inspectors to support FIFA volunteers and security personnel in enforcing the restrictions.
The country will assign a team of 80 tobacco inspectors to assist security staff in enforcing the smoking ban during the World Cup.
“Qatar has long been a regional leader in tobacco control,” said Kholoud Ateeq KM Al-Motawaa, head of non-communicable diseases at Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health, in a statement. “For the FIFA World Cup, tobacco control measures have been put in place both inside and outside the venues, especially in public areas, and smoke-free environments in fan zones will be strictly enforced, allowing supporters without tickets to watch matches on big screens in clean, smoke-free air.”
In an overview of World Cup restrictions prepared for U.S. soccer fans, smokeless tobacco manufacturer Nicokick noted that, unlike e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches are legal in Qatar.
