His Majesty King Hamad of Bahrian yesterday ratified tough anti-smoking laws, banning any planting, manufacturing or reprocessing of tobacco in Bahrain.

The new legislation was already approved by the Shura Council and parliament.

Cigarette vending machines are also prohibited.

The law declared it illegal to import chewable tobacco-based products, moist snuff and other unlicensed tobacco-based substances.

Smoking at closed public facilities and other amenities is also forbidden. It includes public transport, airports, ports, ministries, government departments, hospitals, health centres, schools, universities, training institutes, industrial facilities and other public places.

The ban applies to shops, supermarkets, malls, clubs, restaurants, hotels, cafes, recreation sites, banks and other outlets.

Hair salons, lifts, ATM booths and private cars carrying children also fall under the law.

Violators will be fined from BD20 ($53) to BD50. – TradeArabia News Service