OMR 1,000 fine imposed on expat in Oman

Muscat : An administrative fine of OMR 1,000 has been imposed against an expat for trading and selling non-smoking, chewing tobacco in the Wilayat of Sur, South Al Sharqiyah Governorate.

"The Consumer Protection Department in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate recently arrested an expatriate worker who trades and sells non-smoked, chewing tobacco to consumers," Consumer Protection Authority (CPA), said in a statement.

Judicial officers received information that an expatriate in one of the commercial establishments in the Wilayat of Sur stored and sold non-smoking, chewing tobacco to consumers through a small store behind the shop in which he carries out his business of selling ready-made clothes and accessories, which is in violation of Resolution No. 256/2015 and its amendments regarding the ban on trading non-smoking, chewing tobacco in any form and under any name.

 After collecting evidence and coordinating with the concerned authorities in the governorate, the shop and warehouse were raided and legal measures were taken against the violator. The quantities of non-smoking, chewing tobacco were seized in preparation for its destruction in addition to imposing an administrative fine of OMR 1,000 against the violator.

 The authority affirms that it will spare no effort in following up and monitoring the markets and controlling everything that may harm the health and safety of consumers or detract from their rights, and take legal measures against violators. It also appeals to consumers to report any abuses they may notice in the market, through the authority's various communication channels.