24
Mar

On February 22, 2022, the Minister of Public Health issued a decision for prohibition of smoking in closed public places, determined in the Decision. The Decision has been published in the Official Gazette on March 10, 2022.

• Article 1 of the Decision lists eight closed public places in which smoking is prohibited, such as ministries, public institutions, private entities regularly visited by the public, lifts, covered car parking areas, schools, and cafes and restaurants offering food and drinks, unless such places are licensed to offer cigarettes.

• Article 2 of the Decision provides that the persons in charge of closed public places must put caution boards/warning signs indicating prohibition of smoking in such places.

• Article 3 of the Decision provides for exceptions, based on which smoking in closed public places may be permitted in specific areas subject to certain conditions stated in Article 3.

• Article 4 obligates all the concerned persons to make the necessary adjustments for the sake of compliance with the Decision, within three months as of the date of issuance, but such period may be extended. 

Hamad Al Yafei Law Firm