Sharjah cigarette ban comes into force

A ban on the sale of tobacco products and cigarettes by grocery shops and supermarkets located in residential areas and near academic institutions has been imposed in Sharjah with immediate effect.

On December 10, a government circular was issued to cigarette vendors across the spectrum of commercial grocers and supermarkets.

While the announcement to prohibit the sale of tobacco products in the city of Sharjah was made by the Sharjah Municipal Council in April this year, the organisation was yet to work out an implementation strategy with the Sharjah Municipality, which is responsible for enforcing the ban.

Grocers said they are already experiencing a loss in revenue as cigarette sales were their main source of profit.