Saudi Arabia has officially banned all tobacco products—from cigarettes to shisha—in grocery stores and kiosks, aiming to enhance public health and boost food safety standards.
New National Regulations
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing updated its rules to prohibit grocery stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets, and kiosks from selling any tobacco products approved by SFDA, including e-cigarettes and shisha :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Who It Applies To
- Grocery stores (baqalas): Minimum 24 sqm; can no longer sell tobacco :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
- Kiosks: Stand-alone units, minimum 4 sqm inside malls, 10 sqm on commercial land; tobacco sales forbidden :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Storage & Age Restrictions
- Tobacco must be stored out of sight (closed drawers) and hidden from visitors
- Sale to anyone under 18 is prohibited; sellers may request ID
Size & Licensing Standards
- Minimum areas: grocery 24 sqm; supermarket 100 sqm; hypermarket 500 sqm
- Licenses now require Civil Defense approval, valid commercial registration, and placement on commercial streets or zones
- Kiosks must maintain a 6‑meter building entrance clearance and 1.8‑meter pedestrian path
- Parking-lot kiosks allowed with municipal approval, provided they don’t block parking
Expanded Permitted Activities
Supermarkets and hypermarkets may add food-related services—like nuts, coffee, packed/unpacked produce, and bakeries. Grocery stores remain restricted from selling these items
Unified Visual Identity
Regulations standardize brand appearance: limited to four colors (yellow, green shades), specified fonts, logos, and signage for consistency
Objectives Behind the Ban
- Protect public health by reducing tobacco access at quick-buy outlets.
- Improve food safety and hygiene standards.
- Reduce visual clutter and environmental non-compliance.
- Ensure smooth customer traffic flow in retail areas.
Transition & Compliance Timeline
The ban applies immediately, but existing establishments have six months to comply by ceasing tobacco sales or upgrading their licenses to supermarkets or hypermarkets :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
What This Means for Consumers & Retailers
Consumers will still access tobacco via supermarkets/hypermarkets, but “quick-stop” purchases at kiosks or baqalas will end. Retailers must adjust inventory and may face license upgrades.
Related Updates
For more on Saudi retail and public health initiatives, see coverage on how Saudi aims to revamp its health and retail regulation landscape, including the country’s broader anti-smoking policies and plain‑packaging rules.
