Hisba in Combating Tobacco: Applied Study of Smoking Combating Bylaws in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study aims to find out about the actual situation of tobacco use and combating it in Saudi Arabia, and to explain the principles Al-Hisba through the Saudi smoking combating bylaws. In addition, the paper highlights the penalties of violating these bylaws, and demonstrates smoking preventive measures in the Saudi smoking combating bylaws.

The study concludes with a number of findings, the most prominent of which are: The Kingdom is firmly and severely acting to reduce the effects of tobacco and its dangers. This is manifested in bylaws and general directives relevant to tobacco control and circulars. The official body entrusted with applying Hisba in the combat of tobacco is the Ministry of Health. Combating tobacco is not limited to tobacco users, but it also includes: the farmer, the manufacturers, the importer, the distributor, and advocates of tobacco products, even if they do not use them.

Places where tobacco use is prohibited under Saudi bylaws are divided into open places and enclosed places.