Government imposes intensified oversight and full accountability for violating establishments.

Amman, September 27 (Petra) Prime Minister Jafar Hassan Sunday directed the Ministry of Health and relevant authorities to intensify inspections of all establishments and strictly enforce Article 63 of the Public Health Law.

Under the directive, any establishment found serving hookah or selling or providing tobacco products to anyone under 18 will be closed and held fully accountable for the violation.

The directive follows reports of practices by some establishments that violate the law by serving hookah or selling or providing tobacco products to minors.

Serving hookah or selling it poses a direct threat to the health of children and adolescents and may encourage tobacco use at an early age, exposing them to associated health risks.

The measure is in line with Chapter Twelve of Public Health Law No. 47 of 2008, which addresses the protection of public health from the harmful effects of smoking.

//Petra// AK