Politics · Saudi Arabia · 9 hrs ago
Saudi Arabia warns of fines for tobacco sales to under-18s
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing says tobacco must not be sold or provided to anyone under 18.
The ban also covers letting under-18s enter tobacco shops or designated serving areas.
Sellers may ask buyers for proof that they are old enough to buy tobacco.
Each violation can bring a fine of up to 5,000 riyals, with the amount set according to the local authority’s classification.
Repeat violations can double the fine and lead to the establishment being closed under the applicable rules.
Tobacco shops must also post health warnings and cannot sell single cigarettes or give tobacco away as promotions, gifts, prizes or samples.
The ministry urged owners to follow the rules, train staff and obtain required licences and permits before operating.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing warned that selling or providing tobacco to anyone under 18 is prohibited.
The ban also covers allowing under-18s to enter shops specializing in tobacco sales or areas designated for serving tobacco.
Each violation can bring a fine of up to SR5,000, and establishments may be closed.
Fines double for repeat violations.
The ministry also outlined rules for tobacco businesses, including warning signs and restrictions on promotions and individual cigarette sales.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing issued the warning.
- What
- Selling or providing tobacco to anyone under 18, or allowing them into specialist tobacco shops or designated serving areas, is prohibited. Violations can bring fines of up to SR5,000.
- When
- The reports were published on November 10, 2026.
- Where
- Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The ministry said the rules support public health and compliance with municipal regulations.
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- Minimum legal age
- 18
- Maximum fine
- SR5,000 per violation
- Repeat violations
- Fine doubles
- Publication date
- November 10, 2026
- Non-smoking section
- At least 30% of the service area in restaurants with service