MPs have called for a ban on import, trade and distribution of electronic sheeshas and e-cigarettes in Bahrain.
They have also demanded tough action against outlets serving and selling tobacco to children aged under 18.
The proposals are part of major amendments to the 2009 Anti-Smoking Law, which is set for debate in Parliament on Tuesday.
If approved, those serving tobacco to children could face jail terms ranging from three months to a year or fines of BD500 to BD2,000, or both. If the offence is repeated, the outlet could be closed for up to two months in addition to the punishment.
The current law doesn’t stipulate jail terms for violators.
Offences
Minor smoking offences by outlets would also warrant a fine of BD100 and closure of up to a month.
The National Anti-Smoking and Tobacco Committee has urged MPs to reconsider their stand on the ban, saying that it contradicts international conventions which don’t consider electronic sheeshas and e-cigarettes as smoking.
“Sale of electronic sheeshas and e-cigarettes is already regulated by a ministerial decision issued by Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed Alzayani,” the committee said in writing.
“The equipment and material used don’t constitute smoking or tobacco under international conventions.
“Punishments for smoking violations are out of our jurisdiction and we are more focused on combating the habit.”
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry said only limited violations of smoking rules have been recorded in Bahrain.
“In 2018, we dealt with four violations, and one each in 2019 and 2020,” the ministry said.
“With regard to sale of cigarettes to those under 18, we saw nine violations in 2018, 15 in 2019 and two in 2020.
“Electronic sheeshas and cigarettes are not classified under smoking and thus doesn’t come under us directly.”
The Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry declined to comment on the proposed ban.
The Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry said it was concerned about the locations used for sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and not the service.
The Bahrain Anti-Smoking Society backed the ban and tougher punishments to tackle sale of e-cigarettes.
“Smoking kills seven million people worldwide every year, and one million non-smokers too lose their lives under the impact,” the society said.
“According to 2018 survey conducted in Bahrain, which involved 346 participants, 8.3 per cent smoked cigarettes while 66.2pc used sheeshas.
“There are clear violations as smoking is encouraged on social media.
“Electronic sheeshas and cigarettes are a source of many cardiac and respiratory illnesses and should be banned.”
Parliament’s services committee has recommended that the amendments – proposed by five MPs led by second vice-chairman Ali Al Zayed – be given the go-ahead.
MPs will also debate and vote on amendments to the 2002 Fishing Organisation, Catching and Protection Law that would see permits reissued to convicted fishermen days after their release from jail. Currently, they have to wait for a year to get their criminal records wiped out before securing the fishing permit.
The proposal is being presented by five MPs led by public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Khalid Bu Onk.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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