Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs’ new regulations prohibit grocery stores from selling fresh foods such as tobacco and dates. E-cigarettes and hookahs are also restricted. Existing stores have been given a six-month rectification period.
Key points:
- Grocery stores are prohibited from selling tobacco products (including e-cigarettes and hookahs), dates, meat, fruits and vegetables, etc.
- The new regulations take effect immediately, and existing stores have a 6-month transition period
Saudi Arabia has banned grocery stores (baqalas) from selling tobacco, dates, meat, fruits and vegetables, the Saudi Gazette reported on June 24. The directive is a new regulation issued by Majed Al-Hogail, Minister of Municipality and Housing.
The decision will take effect immediately. However, existing premises will be given a rectification period of no more than six months.
Under the new regulations, dates, meat, fruits and vegetables and tobacco products, including regular cigarettes, e-cigarettes and hookahs, are no longer allowed to be sold in kiosks, grocery stores or mini markets. All these products can be sold in supply stores, but a separate license is required to sell meat.
The new regulations stipulate that the minimum floor area for grocery stores is 24 square meters, the minimum floor area for supermarkets is 100 square meters, and the minimum floor area for hypermarkets is 500 square meters.
