SAUDI ARABIA – Saudi’s smoking ban

SAUDI Arabia is taking firm steps to try and stamp out underage smoking. The Kingdom has launched a ban on the sale of tobacco to teenagers.

 

The new law, which recently came into effect, is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking.

 

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs undersecretary, Yousef Bin Saleh Al-Saif said: “The measure is in line with the country’s agreement with the World Health Organisation to prevent the expansion of smoking among adolescents.” Al-Saif added that the move was part of a broader public health programme launched by the government to help raise families’ awareness about the danger of smoking.

 

The new law bans shops from displaying adverts for smoking. Any shop, regardless of its size, caught selling cigarettes to teenagers will be shut down.

 

HEALTH CARE BAN

Meanwhile, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh banned smoking in the hospital, including the roof, basement, stairs and in hospital vehicles, according to local newspaper Arab News.

 

“This ban comes as a part of our international standards to provide a clean environment inside the hospital in Jeddah and Riyadh. At the same time, we will put cameras in the hospital to enforce the ban,” said Hassan Al Gamdi, manager of the centre’s safety and security department in Jeddah.

 

To ensure smokers see the long-term health benefits, the centre also launched a no-smoking day in its Jeddah branch to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and the prospective blanket plan.

 

Visitors and staff caught smoking will pay a fine up to SAR200.