Bahrain's tobacco law (Law No. 8 of 2009) bans smoking in enclosed public places. The list includes:
- public transport, airports and ports;
- ministries and other government offices;
- hospitals, clinics, health centres and pharmacies;
- schools, universities, training centres and public libraries;
- places of worship;
- malls, shops, markets and co-ops;
- sports clubs and gyms;
- restaurants, hotels, cafés and anything selling food or drink;
- cinemas, theatres and entertainment venues;
- barbers and beauty salons;
- lifts, ATM booths and banks;
- private cars when children are inside.
Venues must put up no-smoking signs. They may have a separate smoking room only if it is fully closed off and has extraction fans.
Other rules
- No sale of tobacco to anyone under 18, and sellers may ask for proof of age.
- Under-18s may not enter smoking areas.
- Smoking cafés are not allowed in sports clubs, parks and public gardens.
Fines (as changed by Law No. 15 of 2025)
- Smoking where it is banned: BD 20 to BD 50.
- Breaking the under-18 or smoking-café rules: at least BD 100.
The catch: the car rule is the one people forget. Smoking with children in your own car is covered by the same fine.