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Saudi Bans Tobacco, Produce in Small Grocery Stores

Saudi Bans Tobacco, Produce in Small Grocery Stores

Post by : Mariam Al-Faris

Saudi Arabia has introduced new rules that stop small grocery stores, also called "baqalas," from selling items like tobacco, fresh fruits and vegetables, dates, and meat.

This decision was announced by Majed Al Hogail, the Minister of Municipalities and Housing. The rule is now in effect, but shop owners will have six months to follow it.

According to the new law, small shops and kiosks can no longer sell regular cigarettes, e-cigarettes, shisha, fruits, vegetables, dates, or meat. These products can now only be sold in larger shops like supermarkets and hypermarkets. If a store wants to sell meat, it must first get a special license.

Even though the ban affects certain food and tobacco items, small grocery stores can still sell things like mobile charger cables and prepaid mobile cards.

The government has also added rules about shop sizes. Grocery shops must be at least 24 square meters. Supermarkets must be at least 100 square meters, and hypermarkets must be at least 500 square meters.

These changes are part of Saudi Arabia’s plan to improve and organize the retail sector across the country.

June 25, 2025 3:51 p.m. 2072

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