Saudi Arabia has banned grocery stores and kiosks from selling tobacco products, including cigarettes, vapes, and shisha. This new rule supports public health goals, raises food safety standards, and restructures the retail sector.
Key Details of the Ban
- Where Tobacco Sales Are Now Banned:
- Small grocery stores, including neighborhood “baqalas”
- Kiosks and mini-markets
- Where Tobacco Is Still Allowed:
- Supermarkets (at least 100 square meters with a meat sale license)
- Hypermarkets (at least 500 square meters with permission to sell all restricted products)
- Products Included in the Ban:
- Traditional cigarettes
- Electronic cigarettes (vapes)
- Shisha and related tobacco products
- Transition Period:
- The ban is now in effect. However, stores have six months to comply with the new rules.
Additional Restrictions
- Other Items Affected:
- Small stores can no longer sell fresh produce, dates, or meat. These are now restricted to larger outlets.
- Minimum Store Size Classifications:
- Grocery stores (“baqalas”): At least 24 square meters
- Supermarkets: At least 100 square meters
- Hypermarkets: At least 500 square meters
- Enforcement Measures:
- Inspection teams will monitor compliance. After six months, violators may face fines or forced closures.
Why This Policy Matters
The government introduced these changes to:
- Protect public health and food safety
- Reduce minors’ access to tobacco
- Modernize and standardize retail stores
- Improve how outlets are classified by size and product range
This regulation marks a major shift in Saudi Arabia’s retail policy. Thousands of small shops that relied on tobacco sales must now adapt or face penalties.
Owais Qarni is a Co-Founder, Chief Editor, and Author of Saudi Scoop. He is passionate about tech, cars, and traveling. A Dreamer, Explorer & Optimist!
