Saudi Arabia’s new regulations bar small grocery stores from selling tobacco, meat, fruit, and vegetables, known as baqalas, from selling products like regular and electronic cigarettes, shisha, dates, fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat.
The decision, issued by Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al Hogail, takes effect immediately. However, existing grocery stores will have a six-month grace period to follow the new rules.
From now on, only large supermarkets and hypermarkets will be allowed to sell these items. Meat sales will also need a special license.
The updated rules also set a minimum floor space:
24 square meters for grocery stores
100 square meters for supermarkets
500 square meters for hypermarkets
Although the sale of many products is restricted, grocery stores will still be allowed to sell items like phone charger cables and prepaid recharge cards.
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