Saudi Arabia announces SR5,000 fine for smoking at eateries

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has announced fines to strengthen food safety standards and ensure higher levels of hygiene at restaurants, food outlets, and delivery services.

The ministry said that smoking in non-designated areas of food outlets will result in a fine of SR5,000, the highest penalty introduced under the new regulations.

The rules also impose fines on workers in food preparation areas who fail to follow hygiene protocols. Employees not wearing face masks will be penalised SR1,000, while another SR1,000 will be charged if they neglect to cover their heads.

Food delivery workers are also covered under the regulations. Those who do not wear the official uniform of their company will face a fine of SR500. Establishments that serve frozen juices to customers under the claim of being freshly prepared will face a penalty of SR1,000.

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The ministry further detailed that workers engaging in unhygienic conduct, such as spitting or touching their nose and mouth while handling food, will be fined up to SR2,000.

These measures, it added, are designed to prevent deceptive practices, improve food handling, and protect consumers.

In its statement, the ministry emphasised that the primary objective of the new fines is to safeguard public health and ensure transparency in the food supply chain. It urged food businesses, restaurant workers, and delivery companies to strictly comply with the rules to avoid penalties.