GazetteRecord
Saudi Arabia sets SR5,000 maximum fine for tobacco sales to under-18s
Ministry of Municipalities and Housing enforces prohibition with establishment closure and doubled penalties for repeat violations.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has confirmed penalties for selling or providing tobacco products to anyone under 18 years of age, with a maximum fine of SR5,000 per violation, according to regulations governing tobacco retail activity published on 10 November 2026.
Prohibited conduct and entry restrictions#
The prohibition covers the sale or provision of tobacco products to persons under 18 and extends to permitting anyone under that age to enter shops specialising in tobacco sales or areas designated for serving tobacco products. Sellers may request proof of age from buyers. Both violations are classified as serious offences, each carrying a fine of up to SR5,000, with the amount determined by the classification of the relevant municipality or local authority.
Closure and repeat violation penalties#
Establishments found in violation may be closed in accordance with applicable regulations. The fine doubles for repeat violations. The ministry's regulations require establishments to display warning signs about smoking harms and to state clearly that entry and sales are prohibited for those below the legal age.
Display and distribution requirements#
The regulations prohibit selling individual cigarettes and distributing tobacco products through free promotional offers, gifts, prizes or samples. Establishments must comply with standards approved by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. The ministry instructed establishment owners to ensure employees are familiar with the rules governing the activity and the penalties for violations, and directed them to consult detailed requirements for selling and serving tobacco products on the ministry's website.
Compliance obligations and effective date#
Establishments selling tobacco products must display warning signs, verify buyer age where required, maintain compliance with Saudi Food and Drug Authority standards, and ensure staff knowledge of regulations and penalties. The ministry published the enforcement notice on 10 November 2026. No transitional period or implementation date was stated in the published notice.
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- saudigazette.com.saSaudi GazetteMinistry of Municipalities and Housing confirmed SR5,000 maximum fine for tobacco sales to under-18s, establishment closure provisions, doubled penalties for repeat violations, entry prohibition, display requirements, and prohibition on individual cigarette sales and promotional distribution, publis
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