Cigarette Packs May Display More Warnings In Gulf Cooperation Council Countries

Manama, Bahrain (AHN)- Cigarette companies may have to design new packets to enter the rich oil exporting Arab countries.

According to a proposal which the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries are in the process of finalizing, all cigarette packets must have 50 per cent of the packaging indicating statutory health warning with a mandatory font set to 14 on the surface.

Dr.Mariam Al Jalahma, the Assistant Undersecretary of public health and primary care at the Bahrain Ministry of Health told AHN Media on Tuesday, "The proposal is being studied by the GCC Council for Anti Smoking which is yet to be finalized. All tobacco companies supplying their products to the region will have 18 months to change their look."

Last year, the health ministry enforced a ban on smoking in malls and government offices in Bahrain. Tobacco advertising was also banned during the three day Formula one. The ministry has further tightened the noose by sending notices to restaurants and hair dressers with an aim to promote healthy habit among people. Al Jalahma said, "We have given verbal warning to restaurants which violate the rules. Our areas of concern are the small cold store in the neighborhoods who are selling cigarettes to minors. There are penalties but are yet to be imposed."

There is no legal age for smoking in Bahrain, but it adopts the World Health Organization(WHO) guidelines which have set the age as 18. Al Jalahma said they were working with legislators on the draft law banning smoking in public places.

On Monday, the Shura(Consultative) Council approved the anti- smoking bill, according to which stiff penalties are expected to be levied on violators. Those caught smoking for the first time in restricted areas would be fined $ 50(BHD 20) and $132 (BHD 50) for repeated offenders.

The draft law also prohibits smoking in cars when a minor or children are present.

In 2005, lawmakers had proposed a price hike for tobacco products based on standards in western countries and the European Union. The government is yet to approve the tax proposal.

Al Jalahma said Bahrain will be celebrating the World No Tobacco Day on May 31, under the theme- Youth and Tobacco.