Fine-revenues ring-fenced

All of the revenue from the fines levied on people who violate Saudi Arabia’s new tobacco control regulations is due to be spent raising awareness of the harmful effects of smoking, according to an Arab News story citing a report in a ‘local publication’.

The regulations, issued by royal decree 12 months ago, were due to go into force today.

They included bans and restrictions on smoking in public places, a ban on the sale of tobacco or tobacco-related products to people under 18 years of age, restrictions on advertising and promotions, and on the way that cigarettes may be presented for sale and sold. Included, too, is an apparent ban on the registration of patents involving tobacco.

Saudi bans also tobacco farming and manufacture.

Under the new rules, individuals and state and community bodies are required to take all necessary measures to limit smoking as much as possible.