Saudi Arabia Bans Tobacco Sales in Small Stores
Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail has issued instructions banning the sale of tobacco products, including vaping devices, and shisha in kiosks, grocery stores (baqalas) and small supermarkets. Under the new rules, such products
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Municipal and Housing Affairs, Majed Al-Hogail, has issued a directive banning the sale of tobacco products, including vaping devices, and shisha in kiosks, grocery stores (baqalas), and small supermarkets. Under the new rules, such products may only be sold in supply stores (supermarkets and hypermarkets).
The new regulations set the minimum operating area for grocery stores at 24 square meters, for supermarkets at 100 square meters, and for hypermarkets at 500 square meters. The directive takes effect immediately; however, merchants will be given a six-month grace period to clear existing inventory.
