Saudis ban teen smoking

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 20 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs issued a ban this week on the sale of tobacco to youth under 18.

"The measure is in line with the country's agreement with the World Health Organization to prevent the expansion of smoking among adolescents," Undersecretary Yousef bin Saleh al-Saif said.

Saif added that the move was part of a broader public health program launched by the government as it seeks to help raise families' awareness about the danger of smoking, as well as support the national economy by reducing costs incurred in treating smoking-related diseases, al-Shorfa reported.