MAKKAH, 5 January 2008 — Although tobacco consumption has existed in Saudi society for a long time, the government has lately been considering serious steps against the phenomenon, including new legislation to totally ban the sale of cigarettes.
One particular contentious issue is smoking in Makkah. Speaking about an existing ban on the sale of tobacco close to the Grand Mosque, citizen Sami Abdullah Al-Qurashi said, “We felt so happy with the decision to ban the sale of cigarettes. In spite of this, we noticed that some supermarkets and shops still sell tobacco. We need the authorities to punish such shopowners.”
Another citizen commended the Health Ministry for taking action against tobacco companies. “We need the authorities to regulate the sale of tobacco across the Kingdom and monitor whether regulations are being adhered to,” said Saeed Abdullah Al-Matrafy, a Saudi citizen. “Violators should be punished,” he added.
Hany Abdul Aziz Al-Umairy, another Saudi citizen, said, “One of the negative scenes we encounter is that of children smoking. Smoking has become widespread among youngsters. Strict supervision would help reduce the number of children smoking, especially in public.”
Shop owner Adel Abdullah Al-Umairy has a different view of the situation. “Selling cigarettes attract customers. People usually go to shops that have all that they need from food to cigarettes, instead of having to go to multiple shops,” he said.
“Selling cigarettes encourages customers to buy the rest of their needs from the same shop,” said Muhammad Abdul Rahim Ghulam, owner of a store in the vicinity of the Grand Mosque in Makkah. “A few years ago, we were very cautious about selling cigarettes because of the strict supervision, but now it has become much more easier,” he added.
“According to Islamic law, it is clear that smoking is unlawful. In addition, not all people are familiar with the negative consequences that tobacco can have on their health,” said Sheikh Saleh Al-Lehaidan, chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council.
“The ban on the sale of tobacco in Makkah has to be applied strictly to protect people’s health and prevent environmental problems,” he said.
