The United Arab Emirates has agreed a comprehensive federal anti-tobacco will come into force next year, according to a story in the Khaleej Times.
Under the new law, growing or manufacturing tobacco for commercial purposes will be banned. Existing manufacturing plants have been given a grace period of 10 years, but tobacco farmers have been given just two years’ grace.
The law bans, too, the importation of tobacco products that are not consistent with technical standards set by the UAE. Violators could find themselves facing a one-year prison sentence and a fine ranging from AED100,000 to AED1 million, in addition to the confiscation of the noncompliant products.
All packs will have to display a large warning label on the front and, once again, violations will attract hefty penalties.
The law will ban the advertising of tobacco products and their display near items marketed for children, sportswear, health food and electronic products.
Tobacco products will be banned from sale within 15 meters of kindergartens, schools, universities and colleges, or within 100 meters of places of worship.
Shisha cafés will have to be at least 150 meters away from residential areas. Their working hours will be regulated; they will not be able to serve people under 18 years of age; and they will not be allowed to deliver shishas to apartments.
The law will ban smoking in private vehicles if a person under 12 years of age is traveling in them.