Tobacco.org

• Tobacco Bill Bans Sale to Under-18s 

The Federal National Council on Tuesday passed a federal bill banning the sale of tobacco or its products to people under the age of 18.

The legislation also prohibits smoking while driving if a child aged less than 12 years is in the vehicle.

The bill, which provides for jail penalties and fines of up to Dh1 million, was passed after a lengthy debate.

The cultivation of tobacco and its products will also be banned, although the bill grants tobacco growers and producers a grace period -- to be determined by the Health Ministry and included in a bylaw -- to close down their businesses.

Council members demanded that these farms be given two years to do so.

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