Saudi Arabia's New Regulation: Grocery Stores Banned from Selling Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, and Hookahs

Jun.25

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs has issued a new regulation prohibiting grocery stores from selling tobacco, fresh foods like dates, e-cigarettes, and hookahs. Existing stores are given a 6-month period to make necessary adjustments.

Key Points:

·A new regulation prohibiting grocery stores from selling tobacco products (including e-cigarettes and hookahs), dates, meat, vegetables, and fruits.

·Took effect immediately, existing stores are given a 6-month period to make necessary adjustments.

According to the Saudi Gazette. A new regulation prohibiting grocery stores from selling tobacco products (including e-cigarettes and hookahs), dates, meat, vegetables, and fruits.The directive was issued by the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs, Majed Al-Hogail.

Existing establishments have up to six months to comply with the new rules.

Under the new regulations, kiosks, grocery stores, or mini-markets are no longer allowed to sell dates, meat, fruits, vegetables, and tobacco products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and hookahs. All of these products can be sold at supplier stores, but selling meat requires a separate license.

The new regulation mandates a minimum building area of 24 square meters for food grocery stores, 100 square meters for supermarkets, and 500 square meters for hypermarkets.

References:

[1] Saudi Arabia Bans Tobacco Sales in Small Stores

[2] Grocery stores banned from selling tobacco, meat, fruit and vegetables

Also Read:

[1] Badael Company Opens New Factory in Saudi Arabia

[2] WVS Interview | Arab Vape: More Vape Stores in Saudi Arabic on the Way

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