Parliament Backs Tougher Penalties for Tobacco Alternatives

TDT | Manama

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A government-drafted plan to impose harsher penalties on those dealing in herbal and non-herbal tobacco substitutes was approved by Parliament on Tuesday, with offenders now facing up to a year behind bars and fines as high as BD 100,000. These penalties replace the current maximum fine of BD 3,000, as part of efforts to crack down on products that pose health risks and are marketed as harmless.

The measures target items such as suwaika, Indian paan, and tanbak, which are often chewed or inhaled and have gained traction among younger people. According to the Ministry of Health, these substances are an escalating problem, with 118 violations recorded between January 2022 and June 2024.

Some MPs voiced concerns during the debate. MP Mohammed Al Rifai called for clarity to ensure that therapeutic products like nicotine gum and patches are not mistakenly included in the law. ‘These products help people quit smoking. We need to ensure they’re protected,’ he said.

MP Mohammed Al Marafi described some herbal products as akin to narcotics. ‘They are dangerous, marketed as harmless, and targeted at young people. The punishment must reflect the harm caused,’ he said. MP Mohammed Mousa urged stronger action against vapes, citing their use in promoting harmful substances to schoolchildren.

HE Ghanim bin Fadhel Al Buainain, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, defended the amendments, emphasising their flexibility to address emerging challenges. ‘The changes ensure the minister can adapt the law as new substances appear. The previous legislation wasn’t a strong enough deterrent,’ he said.

Dr Mohammed AbdulMajeed Al Awadhi, Director of the Public Health Directorate, highlighted the importance of enforcement. ‘Our inspectors are at the heart of this effort. We currently have over 30 working on public health issues, and we’ll continue to strengthen this team,’ he said.

The amendments also include powers to temporarily shut down businesses or confiscate banned materials. With Parliament’s approval secured, the proposal will now head to the Shura Council for further deliberation as Bahrain tightens controls on harmful tobacco alternatives.