[Intl-tobacco] Saudis reinforce anti-smoking measures

[Robert Weissman]

Report: Saudis reinforce anti-smoking measures
Source: UPI, 2002-01-03RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 26 (UPI) --

People who sell cigarettes to children and those who smoke in
government buildings could now face fines as part of a national
campaign to combat smoking in the kingdom.

The council of ministers decided to impose a $133 fine on tobacco
booths for selling cigarettes to children less than 18 years of age
and another fine of $53 for those who smoke inside government
institutions, according to al Watan newspaper.

  The Cabinet also decided to raise the prices of all cigarettes to
$1.60 a packet.

The Cabinet reaffirmed its decision to ban smoking in public places,
around mosques, ministries and public institutions, schools and
universities, as well as private companies, banks, manufactories,
oil refineries and gas stations.

Reports indicated that the Cabinet was planning to increase taxes on
cigarettes by 200 percent, establish a national committee to combat
smoking and adopt a national plan that would confront the activities
of the tobacco firms whose advertising targets children and women.

  Saudi Arabia, which has a population of 22 million, ranks 14th in
the world in the importation of tobacco products.