Action against shop for selling cigarettes to eight-year-old girl

Manama: A shop in Bahrain is facing legal action after one of its keepers was caught selling cigarettes to an eight-year-old girl.

Under Bahrain rules, the sale of cigarettes to people under the age of 18 is strictly prohibited and is punishable by fines and prison terms in case of repeated offenses.

Mariam Al Jalahma, the health ministry assistant undersecretary for first care and public health, on Tuesday said that the violation by the shop was discovered in Manama when the ministry conducted inspection raids on several shops, cafés and restaurants.

Huge amounts of illegal tobacco were seized and several people caught breaking the law will be made to pay fines, she said.

Bahrain introduced in 2009 strict laws that banned smoking in public places including restaurants, cafes, hotels and hair salons, on public transport and in private cars where there are children.

The new legislation outlawed the advertising of cigarettes and the promotion of tobacco-products by manufacturing and importing companies at sports events, with even gift-giving banned.

"No Smoking" signs should be displayed in prominent positions in all prohibited places, and people working in the establishments will be charged with ensuring compliance.