Saudi Arabia announces tobacco ban at grocery stores, kiosks

Saudi Arabia is moving to prohibit the sale of tobacco products in grocery stores, kiosks and central markets across the kingdom, the Saudi Gazette reported Monday.

The proposed regulations, announced by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, would restrict tobacco sales to specialized outlets and require all products to be stored out of public view in closed drawers.

The sweeping changes are part of a broader set of retail regulations that would also place new restrictions on energy drink sales and implement stricter health standards for food service workers.

Under the draft rules, retailers must verify customers are at least 18 years old before selling tobacco products. Stores would be required to display graphic warning signs showing smoking-related health risks, and all product advertising would be banned. Smoking would be prohibited inside retail establishments.

The ministry posted the draft regulations on Istitlaa, the government's public feedback platform, seeking input from citizens before finalizing the rules.

Other regulations updated

The proposal also mandates that energy drinks be displayed separately from other beverages and food items, with sales restricted to customers 16 and older. Warning signs would be required on refrigerators and shelves containing energy drinks.

Additional regulations would standardize parking access at retail locations and set minimum height requirements for product displays to improve store cleanliness. Food service workers would face enhanced health screening requirements.

The timing for implementing the new restrictions has not been announced. The move aligns with other Gulf nations' efforts to reduce tobacco use through stricter sales controls and public health campaigns.