3,500 tobacco products seized from groceries in UAE

Thousands of smoking accessories have been seized from commercial outlets that sell tobacco products in Abu Dhabi without licenses.

The Abu Dhabi City Municipality said it has confiscated 3,225 tobacco products during a crack down on grocery shops and other outlets in Al Wathba and other areas.

Municipal officials said their campaign succeeded in seizing 230 tobacco pipes, 415 cans of shisha molasses, 165 cans of tobacco, 105 tobacco pipe buts, 1450 tobacco rolling paper, and 1160 tobacco pipe cleaner sticks.

The municipality said on Sunday that the extensive campaign carried out on groceries and commercial outlets was intended to verify their compliance with health stipulations and the required practices.

The campaign targeted 37 grocery stores at Bani Yas East and West, Al Wathba, Shamkha and Shawamkh.

"This campaign epitomizes the strategies of the Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport aimed at enforcing health standards and protecting the community from all health hazards undermining its safety," said a municipal statement.

"The campaign also showcases the commitment of Abu Dhabi City Municipality to protect community members from the detrimental health impacts of bad habits that negatively affect their health and environment."

Officials said the campaign also comes in implementation of the municipality's vision to sensitize the public to the adverse effects and negative impact of smoking.

To this effect, the municipality launched such inspection campaigns targeting tobacco retailers, especially groceries and shops that sell tobacco products and accessories without a valid license.

According to Abu Dhabi Municipality, the inspection campaign had two parallel tracks: a supervisory and monitoring track, and an educational and awareness-raising track. From this standpoint, the inspection team was keen to offer health tips highlighting the importance of abstaining from buying smoking materials from infringing grocery stores and shops.

The team also informed the public about the implications of smoking, especially when selling tobacco in other than designated places such as these shops and grocery stores.

The municipality has urged shopkeepers and groceries to abide by the commercial activities within the scope for which the business license is issued, and not sell unlicensed materials that contravene the nature of business at grocery stores and shops.

The civic body said it vows to follow up these service facilities to verify their compliance with the general safety stipulations to protect the health of community members.

Source: Khaleej Times