Image for representation only.
DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday issued Law No. 10 of 2016 on the control of tobacco and its derivatives, which stipulates fines up to QR3,000 for smoking in closed public places. Those smoking while driving in the presence of children aged under 18 years also face similar punishment.
The law has stipulated stricter measures to curb the import and use of tobacco products and its derivatives and a ban on electronic cigarettes, “sweika” and other chewing tobacco. Those violating the relevant articles face jail not exceeding six months and fines not exceeding QR100,000.
The law bans smoking in closed public places and stipulates fines not less than QR1000 and not more than QR3,000 for smoking or using tobacco products and their derivatives in such areas. Permitting others to smoke in such places is also an offence punishable with a similar fine.
The court can order confiscation, destroying or re-exporting of tobacco products and their derivatives, seized for violating the law, irrespective of the quantity.
Any form of promotion or advertising for tobacco and its derivatives with the aim of encouraging smoking is banned. It is also not allowed to use them in advertisements of other products.
The law bans sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to those aged below 18 years. Ignorance of age is not an excuse and traders must confirm the age from customers’ ID. Selling such products in areas at a distance of less than 1km from schools and other educational and training institutions is also banned.
The law has banned farming, manufacturing or processing tobacco and its derivatives in the country, whether preparing it or mixing with other material, in whatever form and purposes.
The law bans import, trading, displaying for sale, distribution and manufacturing of chewing tobacco in all forms and under any name.
The importer will be given 30 days period to return or replace the quantities found violating the law and the relevant decisions.
Violating tobacco outlets face closure
Any outlet violating the law may face closure for one month in the first instance, two months for a repetition and up to three months if the offence is repeated again. The shop must make arrangements if a partial closure is required, if its structure does not allow that. The owners of outlets, facing punishment, can lodge a complaint with the Minister of Public Health in 10 days after the action was taken. Five percent of the customs fees on tobacco products will be allocated to health awareness programmes.
Importers of cigarettes and other tobacco products and their derivatives must inform the Ministry of Public Health in a written form at least a week before arrival of the shipment for checking whether they fulfill the required specifications.
The law bans import of such products without a written permission. The Minister of Public Health will issue a decision on the permitted quantity of nicotine in cigarettes. Each packet or box of cigarette and other tobacco products must carry the expiry date and graphic warnings about the harmful effects of using such products.
