Many people will have to put a hold on the habit while following their national team
England fans and those travelling from all over the globe for this year’s World Cup could face hefty fines or even jail time if they are caught vaping at Qatar 2022, as the country outlines even more rules and regulations for the tournament.
Those travelling to the Arab nation for the games are being warned by several organisations not to engage in the habit while in the country as vaping and e-cigarettes have been illegal in Qatar since 2014 and those found to be breaking the law face significant financial penalties or even imprisonment.
People found guilty of e-cigarette-related crimes can receive fines of up to 10,000 riyals (around £2,200) or a maximum of three months in prison. Meanwhile, around 12 per cent of the country smokes more traditional tobacco products and shisha is the most popular form of smoking, as per data compiled by smoking cessation experts, Vape Club.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), approximately 3.3 million Brits use vapes and, naturally, thousands are expected to make the trip to cheer on the Three Lions. Experts predict this will drive many travelling fans back onto traditional smoking after successfully quitting smoking or reducing their intake.
Moreover, tourists have faced confusion over the exact laws surrounding vapes and whether it is use or simply purchasing them that is banned in the country; several TripAdvisor reviews state you can only use them in the smoking areas of airports.
Dr Kholood al-Mutawaa, head of the Non-Communicable Disease Department at the Ministry of Public Health, said back in 2016: “The e-cigarette was banned in Qatar according to a ministry order in 2014. We have instructed all supermarkets, pharmacies and other outlets not to sell it.
“We have also communicated with the customs department at the airport, seaport and the land border not to allow e-cigarettes into Qatar. People can’t bring it to the country or order it from other countries. Others can’t send it to the country either. Anyone who is in possession of e-cigarettes may be charged with appropriate action.”
This isn’t the only example of banned behaviour at this year’s tournament either, as it was also revealed back in June that fans could be jailed for having a one-night stand whilst in the country. In fact, here is a list of some things you can’t do at Qatar 2022:
- Drink alcohol
- Have sex as an unmarried couple
- Vape
- Eat pork
- Watch porn
- Homosexual activity
- Promote or campaign for the LGBTQ+ community
- Import religious books and material
For a full list of guidance surrounding the local laws and customs in Qatar, see the UK’s government’s foreign travel guide here.
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