Riyadh, June 27 -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has introduced new regulations banning small grocery stores, commonly known as baqalas, from selling products such as tobacco, dates, meat, and fruit.

The move, announced by the Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail, aims to reorganise the retail sector and improve public health and safety standards across the Kingdom.

The decision will take effect immediately.

According to a report by Arabic daily Okaz, the regulation takes effect immediately, though existing stores have been given a six-month grace period to comply.

Under the new rules, kiosks and grocery stores are no longer allowed to sell regular and electronic cigarettes, shisha, dates, fruit, vegetables, or m...