Shisha ban in Singapore to be effective from Friday

With effect from tomorrow (Nov 28), shisha smoking will be banned in Singapore via the publication of the Prohibited Tobacco Products Regulations made under Section 15 of the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act.

As a transitional measure, existing licensed tobacco importers and retailers who import or sell shisha tobacco will be allowed to continue importing and retailing shisha tobacco until July 31, 2016, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Health (MOH) today.

It said this is to allow them ample time to deplete their stock and restructure their businesses away from shisha. Any person who contravenes the ban shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding S$10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding S$20,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.