Smoking In Bahrain: What's The Law?

Smoking laws in Bahrain have changed significantly in recent years, with the government introducing strict anti-smoking regulations. In 2009, King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifah ratified a law that banned smoking in indoor public places, including restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, hotels, and on public transport. The law also prohibits smoking in private cars with children present and the advertising and promotion of tobacco products. These rules are enforced with fines, and establishments that fail to comply risk being shut down for up to three months. Despite these changes, smoking and the water pipe have been fixtures of local cafe culture in Bahrain for centuries.

Smoking indoors in public places is banned

The new laws were implemented to improve public health and reduce the number of deaths from coronary problems, which are a leading cause of fatalities in Bahrain. The health benefits of such measures have been demonstrated in other countries, with a study of hospitals in Scotland showing a 17% drop in admissions for heart attacks and angina in the 10 months following the introduction of a smoking ban.

The indoor smoking ban in Bahrain means that smokers must look for outdoor spaces to light up. This has led to some confusion, with smokers unsure of the exact boundaries of the new rules. For example, it is unclear whether smoking is allowed in the outdoor spaces of cafes and restaurants or in public parks. However, smoking is permitted in some designated areas outside airport terminals, and there are smoking rooms and bars inside the terminal building.

In addition to the indoor smoking ban, the new legislation includes several other anti-smoking measures. These include the prohibition of cigarette advertising and the promotion of tobacco products, the sale of cigarettes to anyone under the age of 18, and the use of cigarette vending machines. Establishments that fail to comply with the law can be fined or even closed down for up to three months.

Smoking in cars with children is illegal

The legislation outlaws smoking in all indoor public spaces, including restaurants, cafes, hotels, hair salons, on public transport, and in private cars with children. The advertising and promotion of cigarettes and tobacco products are also banned, and cigarettes cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 18. Shopkeepers are advised to ask for proof of age if they are unsure.

The new laws mean that anyone caught smoking in a car with a child can expect to be fined, and establishments that fail to comply with the rules may be closed down for up to three months. "No Smoking" signs must be displayed prominently in all prohibited places, and people working in these establishments are responsible for ensuring compliance.

The laws were introduced to improve public health, with the Bahraini government hoping to reduce fatalities from coronary problems, one of the leading causes of death in the country. The indoor smoking ban is expected to have a positive impact, as a study of hospitals in Scotland showed a 17% drop in admissions for heart attacks and angina in the 10 months following the introduction of a similar ban.

While the new rules represent a significant change, it is worth noting that smoking is still permitted in some outdoor spaces. For example, there are designated smoking areas outside the terminals at Bahrain International Airport, and smoking is allowed in local coffee shops (gahwa) and some outdoor spaces of cafes and restaurants.

Cigarette advertising is prohibited

In 2009, Bahrain introduced strict anti-smoking laws, which included the prohibition of cigarette advertising. The legislation, ratified by King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifah, bans the promotion of tobacco products by manufacturing and importing companies at sports events, with even gift-giving outlawed. This means that tobacco companies can no longer use sports sponsorships or other promotional gifts to market their products. The new rules also make it illegal to sell cigarettes to anyone under the age of 18, with shopkeepers instructed to ask for proof of age if there is any doubt.

The tough new laws were introduced as part of Bahrain's efforts to join the league of anti-tobacco nations and address the health issues caused by smoking. With coronary problems a leading cause of death in Bahrain, the government hopes that these measures will lead to a sharp reduction in fatalities. The new legislation also bans smoking in all indoor public places, including restaurants, cafes, hotels, shopping malls, hair salons, airports, and on public transport.

The anti-smoking laws in Bahrain are comprehensive and cover a range of areas to ensure effective implementation. In addition to the advertising ban and the age restriction on cigarette sales, the laws also stipulate that "No Smoking" signs must be displayed prominently in all prohibited places. People working in these establishments are responsible for ensuring compliance with the rules. The laws also prohibit the importation of chewable tobacco products and the planting and manufacturing of tobacco in Bahrain.

Establishments that fail to comply with the anti-smoking laws face fines and the possibility of being shut down for up to three months. The laws are a positive step towards improving public health and reducing the impact of tobacco-related diseases in Bahrain. By prohibiting cigarette advertising and restricting tobacco sales to adults, Bahrain is taking a proactive approach to prevent the harmful effects of smoking and protect the well-being of its citizens.

Cigarettes cannot be sold to under-18s

Smoking is legal in Bahrain, albeit with some restrictions. One such restriction is that cigarettes cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 18. This law has been in place since 2009 and applies to all tobacco products. Shopkeepers are urged to ask for proof of age if they are in doubt about a customer's age. Acceptable forms of ID include an identity card or any other valid document that proves the customer is 18 or older.

The law also prohibits the advertising and promotion of cigarettes and tobacco products. This includes the promotion of tobacco products by manufacturing and importing companies at sports events, with even gift-giving banned. In addition, the planting and manufacturing of tobacco in Bahrain is forbidden, as is the importation of chewable tobacco products.

The Bahraini government introduced these strict anti-smoking regulations in 2009, with the aim of improving public health. The laws were ratified by His Majesty King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifah. Anyone who violates these rules will be fined, and establishments that fail to follow them run the risk of being closed for up to three months.

'No Smoking' signs must be displayed

In 2009, Bahrain introduced strict anti-smoking laws, which were ratified by King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifah. These laws include the prohibition of smoking in indoor public places, in private cars with children present, and other anti-smoking rules.

One of the key requirements of these laws is the prominent display of "No Smoking" signs. These signs must be placed in all areas where smoking is prohibited, such as indoor public places like cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, hair salons, hotels, airports, and public transportation. The signs should be easily visible to ensure that individuals are aware of the smoking ban.

The responsibility for ensuring compliance with the no-smoking laws falls on the people working in the establishments. Failure to comply can result in fines for individuals and establishments, with the possibility of temporary closure for businesses that do not follow the rules.

The "No Smoking" signs serve as a clear indication that smoking is not permitted in specific areas, helping to enforce the anti-smoking regulations and promote a smoke-free environment. It is important for both visitors and residents of Bahrain to be aware of these laws and abide by them to avoid any penalties and to respect the health and comfort of others.

In addition to the display of "No Smoking" signs, it is also important to properly dispose of cigarettes and to be mindful of others when smoking in permitted areas. While smoking may be allowed in certain outdoor spaces, it is always considerate to be mindful of non-smokers and to follow any local guidelines or customs.

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