The National Anti-Tobacco Committee (NATC) proposed a ban on smoking in public places, on advertising, and sales restrictions of tobacco products.

According to the Saudi Gazette, Minister of Health Abdullah Al-Rabea, last week said the committee would ask the ministries of Commerce and Industry and Municipal and Rural Affairs to issue a law banning tobacco sales to children, advertising of tobacco products and recommends that special licenses be introduced for smokers. It also proposes a ban on single cigarette sales and on the use of misleading promotional words such as “low tar”, “light” or “nice”.

The NATC Secretary General, Dr. Majed Al-Muneef, called for the enforcement of GCC Council of Health Ministers’ recommendations governing the marketing and promotion of tobacco products. He also recommended that “tobacco products undergo tests of the Saudi Specifications and Quality Standards Organization and the Saudi Arabian Food and Drug Authority to ensure they conform to strict specifications”.
Finally, he called for an education campaign by the ministries of Education and Health using the latest media technology to educate male and female students about the risks and harms of smoking. (pi)