Saudi Arabia Bans Grocery Stores from Selling Tobacco Products
The Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has implemented a ban on the sale of tobacco products in kiosks and grocery stores across the Kingdom.
This decision is part of a broader initiative to enhance the business environment and elevate food safety standards to protect consumers.
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Key Details of the Ban
- Prohibited Products: The ban applies to all manufactured and packaged tobacco products licensed by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, including regular and electronic cigarettes, shisha, and similar products.
- Store Requirements: Grocery stores, which are licensed to sell packaged food, personal care products, and related items, must have a minimum space of 24 square meters. Kiosks, smaller stand-alone facilities, have specific requirements as well.
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Kiosk and Store Specifications
- Kiosk Sizes:
- Minimum area of 4 square meters for kiosks in shopping malls.
- Minimum area of 10 square meters for kiosks on commercial or mixed-use land.
- Distance Regulations: Kiosks must be located at least 6 meters from building entrances and 1.8 meters from pedestrian pathways.
- Additional Activities: Kiosks may include other activities, provided that these do not exceed 50% of the total area and maintain the minimum space for the main activity.
Licensing and Compliance
The new regulations require:
- Civil Defense approval prior to the issuance of licenses.
- Valid commercial registration detailing the activities to be licensed.
Further, the site must be located on a commercial street and adhere to spatial requirements.
Promoting Public Health
The amendments aim to enhance public health, improve food safety, and minimize visual distortion in commercial areas. The updated requirements also cover:
- Food Safety Management: Ensuring proper storage, display, and preparation of food products.
- Commercial Signage: Standardized colors, logos, and fonts to create a unified commercial identity, limited to specific colors like yellow and green.
By enforcing these regulations, the ministry seeks to ensure the safety and well-being of consumers while promoting a healthier environment in the Kingdom’s retail sector.
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