المملكة: Prohibiting the entry of minors and mandatory pricing… new requirements for tobacco shops
The Ministry prohibited entry into tobacco shops or sales to those under the age of 18 or what is determined by the anti-smoking system, and the seller must ask the buyer to provide proof that he has reached this age.
It required that e-cigarette products be displayed on designated shelves, prohibited from placing any type of goods and products on the store floor, prohibited the use of wooden pallets, or displayed tobacco products and the like and their accessories on the storefront.
The requirements also include that all tobacco packages, whether large or small, and on the packages of any products that contain tobacco or any of its derivatives, must contain explanatory and warning data that conform to the standard specifications in force from the Food and Drug Authority.
It obliges the licensee to sell cigarettes in a sealed package, and prohibits selling by pill, or selling or displaying any tobacco products that contain raw or manufactured tobacco or any of their derivatives inside self-vending machines.
Prohibition of reducing the price of tobacco
It stressed that tobacco products must be sound and free from manufacturing defects, while prohibiting the retail sale of tobacco products “by the kilo or part thereof,” and that sales must be in accordance with the weights and sizes approved by the Food and Drug General Authority.
She stressed that the data on tobacco products should be clear and easy to read for the buyer, and that it is prohibited for the consumer to try the product. Liquid containers for electronic cigarettes must be tightly sealed so that liquids do not leak from them. It is prohibited to fill tobacco liquid for electronic cigarette products, with a commitment to setting prices on all products.
Structural requirements
It was obligated to implement the requirements of the Saudi Building Code, which include structural, electrical, mechanical, ventilation and air conditioning, sanitary, energy conservation requirements, and all requirements of the supervising authority – if any – with regard to light professional workshops, with the implementation of all work, equipment and materials in accordance with the approved standard specifications.
Preventing the installation of electrical wires, sanitary pipes, other service extensions, and external air conditioning units on the facade of the building or clearly on the roof.
It requires that the facade of the store or facility be made of transparent Securit glass or the like with a thickness of no less than 12 mm and include doors with a width of no less than 90 cm for single doors and a width of no less than 160 cm for double doors. Air curtains must be installed at the entrance to the store or facility and must be operated during working hours. .
It required that wall surfaces and wall partitions be moisture-resistant, fire-resistant, and cleanable.
It is recommended that the corners between walls and both floors and ceilings be not sharp, and it is preferable that they be rotated or inclined at a 45-degree angle to facilitate cleaning and disinfection, and to prevent the accumulation of pollutants.
The Ministry confirmed the installation of security cameras, the provision of a first aid box and electronic payment methods.
Licensing tobacco shops
The regulations stipulate that a municipal license must be obtained before starting operating work, and it is prohibited to practice an activity that is contrary to what has been licensed, or to add additional activities. It is not permitted to add the activity to other activities.
The regulations prohibit practicing activity outside the boundaries of the licensed facility, using public sidewalks or setback areas, or removing or covering the store/establishment closure sticker.
It required that the front of the store or establishment be free of stickers, except for stickers indicating the entry and exit route, working times, stickers for electronic payment methods, the “QR” code sticker, and instructions from government agencies.
It recommended providing bins to sort waste according to its type, according to the specifications approved by official authorities.
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