Saudi Arabia Implements Ban on Tobacco Sales at Grocery Stores
New regulatory updates introduce strict measures to promote public health and improve food safety standards.
The Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has introduced a ban on the sale of tobacco products in kiosks and grocery stores across the Kingdom, as part of ongoing efforts to promote business environments and raise food safety standards.
According to the updated requirements published by the ministry, all licensed tobacco products, including regular and electronic cigarettes, shisha, and similar tobacco products, are prohibited from being sold at these establishments.
The ban aims to protect consumers and is supported by specific specifications such as 100 percent invisibility of tobacco products to facility visitors and their storage in closed drawers.
Sellers are required to verify the age of buyers, ensuring that only individuals above the age of 18 can purchase tobacco products.
Additionally, the requirements set spatial standards for different types of stores, including kiosks, grocery stores, supermarkets, and hypermarkets, with varying minimum areas ranging from 4 square meters for kiosks in shopping malls to 500 square meters for hypermarkets.
The updates also address licensing requirements, site location restrictions, and other specifications for kiosks, such as distance requirements from building entrances and dedicated lanes for car service.
Furthermore, additional activities can be added to supermarkets and hypermarkets, excluding grocery stores, subject to certain conditions.
These amendments aim to promote public health, improve food safety, reduce visual distortion, minimize environmental and structural violations, and ensure the smooth flow of shoppers.
The updated requirements cover various aspects, including location and space requirements, food product storage and display specifications, commercial signage rules, worker guidelines, basic equipment for grocery stores and supermarkets, and refrigeration units.
According to the updated requirements published by the ministry, all licensed tobacco products, including regular and electronic cigarettes, shisha, and similar tobacco products, are prohibited from being sold at these establishments.
The ban aims to protect consumers and is supported by specific specifications such as 100 percent invisibility of tobacco products to facility visitors and their storage in closed drawers.
Sellers are required to verify the age of buyers, ensuring that only individuals above the age of 18 can purchase tobacco products.
Additionally, the requirements set spatial standards for different types of stores, including kiosks, grocery stores, supermarkets, and hypermarkets, with varying minimum areas ranging from 4 square meters for kiosks in shopping malls to 500 square meters for hypermarkets.
The updates also address licensing requirements, site location restrictions, and other specifications for kiosks, such as distance requirements from building entrances and dedicated lanes for car service.
Furthermore, additional activities can be added to supermarkets and hypermarkets, excluding grocery stores, subject to certain conditions.
These amendments aim to promote public health, improve food safety, reduce visual distortion, minimize environmental and structural violations, and ensure the smooth flow of shoppers.
The updated requirements cover various aspects, including location and space requirements, food product storage and display specifications, commercial signage rules, worker guidelines, basic equipment for grocery stores and supermarkets, and refrigeration units.
