In a regulatory move aimed at balancing public health requirements with supporting promising economic sectors, the Saudi Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing announced a significant update to the licensing requirements for tobacco and tobacco product outlets. The most notable update is the exemption of tobacco shops located within "tourist hospitality facilities" from the mandatory 500-meter distance requirement from mosques and educational institutions.
This decision aims to clarify regulations and provide greater operational flexibility for the hospitality sector, a key pillar in achieving the Kingdom's Vision 2030 tourism goals. Under the new amendment, hotels, resorts, and other licensed tourist accommodation facilities will be permitted to sell tobacco products to their customers and guests without being bound by the social distancing requirement that was previously applied uniformly to all points of sale.
General context: Anti-smoking efforts and Vision 2030
These regulations fall within a broader framework of policies adopted by the Kingdom for years to curb smoking and protect public health, particularly among youth and young adults. Saudi Arabia launched the "Anti-Smoking Law" and its implementing regulations, which included strict restrictions on the sale, marketing, and consumption of tobacco, such as prohibiting sales to those under 18 and banning smoking in public places, government institutions, educational facilities, and healthcare facilities. One of the most prominent of these preventative measures was the requirement to maintain a distance of 500 meters from schools and mosques, ensuring that these products remained out of the direct reach of students and young people.
The importance of the decision and its expected impact
This update carries dual significance. On the one hand, it reaffirms the state's commitment to protecting society by maintaining the distance requirement for independent shops located outside tourist facilities, thus ensuring the continued achievement of the legislation's primary objective. On the other hand, the decision reflects a deep understanding of the nature and requirements of the global tourism sector. Tourists arriving from various countries may have diverse consumption habits, and providing these products within a regulated environment such as hotels and resorts is part of offering a comprehensive service and enhances the competitiveness of the Saudi tourism sector both regionally and internationally.
The ministry emphasized that the updated regulations stress the need for full compliance with other planning standards for the site and area, to ensure no negative impact on the surrounding environment. The updated text thus replaces the previous one regarding spatial separation distances, becoming a primary reference for issuing related municipal permits. This step reflects regulatory maturity and the ability to develop legislation that aligns with evolving economic and social realities.
