Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has imposed a ban on running tobacco shops within 500 meters of mosques and schools. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has approved regulatory measures in this regard.

The new requirements aimed to promote public health, ensure compliance with relevant regulations, and create a safe and orderly commercial environment across the Kingdom.

The ministry clarified that the requirements apply to all stores selling tobacco products and accessories, including cigarettes, shisha, and e-cigarettes. It noted that obtaining a license requires a valid commercial registration, Civil Defense approval, and full compliance with the Municipal Licensing Procedures Law and its executive regulations.

The ministry explained that the requirements include spatial requirements, most notably that the store be located within a commercial building within the urban area. The minimum store area is set at 36 square meters, with specific requirements for each municipality applying according to street width and site classification.

The regulations also prohibit the placement of logos or promotional materials on external sign boards, and only the name of the business is permitted. Additionally, the use of public sidewalks outside the store's boundaries is prohibited. Internal and external surveillance cameras are also required. The shops shall adhere to the rules of public hygiene, safe waste disposal, and the provision of electronic payment methods.

It obligated investors to adhere to technical and architectural requirements, which include facade design in accordance with the urban code or design guidelines for Saudi architecture, providing ramps accessible to people with disabilities, installing alarm and fire extinguishing systems, and applying the Saudi Building Code for ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and fire prevention.

The ministry emphasized the need to adhere to the technical standards set forth in the regulations, which include prohibiting the mixing or repackaging of products or selling them in unapproved packaging. It also requires stores to provide proof of the product's supplier, and prohibits the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18. Sellers have the right to request proof of age from buyers.

The ministry emphasized the importance of placing warning signs inside stores that include awareness-raising messages about the dangers of smoking, along with displaying QR codes linked to licensing and regulatory information in order to ensure transparency and ease of verification. The requirements also prohibit the promotion of tobacco products or offering them as rewards or free samples, and prohibit the sale of single cigarettes or products that do not comply with the standard specifications approved by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.

The municipal authorities shall monitor the implementation of these requirements on the ground, and impose penalties against violating establishments. This is part of the effort to strengthen oversight, improve operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with approved regulations, contributing to the creation of a more committed and high-quality urban environment.

The requirements stipulate a set of controls for the sale and trade of tobacco products and their derivatives. All tobacco products and their derivatives must comply with the standard specifications approved by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). Possession or display of products of unknown origin or containing misleading information is prohibited.

According to the requirements, all tobacco packages—large or small—as well as the packages of any products containing tobacco or its derivatives, must bear explanatory and warning information that complies with the standard specifications made by SFDA. Cigarettes must be sold in sealed packages, and sales by the unit are prohibited. The sale or display of any tobacco products—raw, manufactured, or their derivatives—in vending machines is also prohibited.

It is also prohibited to reduce the price of tobacco or its derivatives or offer them as gifts, prizes, or free samples in promotional offers. It is also prohibited to import, sell, or offer any product that advertises tobacco or its derivatives. Tobacco products must be intact and free of manufacturing defects. Retail sales of tobacco products in kilo or part of it are prohibited. Sales must be made according to the weights and sizes approved by SFDA. Tobacco product information must be clear and easy for consumers to read.

Consumers are also prohibited from testing the product. E-cigarette liquid containers must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. It is also prohibited to fill e-cigarette liquids with tobacco. Clear pricing must be displayed on all products.