RIYADH, 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.
