Saudi Arabia has issued new regulations banning grocery stores, locally known as baqalas, from selling tobacco, dates, meat, fruit, and vegetables. The directive, announced by Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al Hogail, takes effect immediately, with existing stores allowed a correction period of up to six months, according to a Saudi Gazette report.
Under the new rules, kiosks and grocery stores or mini markets are prohibited from selling tobacco products—including regular and electronic cigarettes and shisha—as well as fresh dates, meat, fruit, and vegetables. These products may only be sold in supply stores (supermarkets) and hypermarkets, with meat sales requiring a separate license. The regulations also specify that charger cables and prepaid recharge cards can be sold across grocery stores, supermarkets, and hypermarkets.
Additionally, the government has set minimum floor space requirements: grocery stores must have at least 24 square meters, supermarkets at least 100 square meters, and hypermarkets at least 500 square meters.
Read more at Gulf Business