Ajman Municipality yesterday banned import and sale of all kinds of chewing tobacco and tobacco products and betel leaves.

It also banned the storage and possession of such products.

The administrative order No.15 for 2008 issued by Shaikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Department of Municipality and Planning, aims at maintaining healthy and clean environment in the emirate.

The municipal authorities will launch an inspection campaign to ensure that all groceries and food outlets were complying with the new ban.

 The municipality will impose Dh10, 000 fine on anyone violating the rule and in case of repeat violation the fine would be doubled.

Khaled Al Houseny, head of the Health Directorate at Ajman Municipality, said the decision was taken after the municipality inspectors noticed that the products which affect the cleanliness and environment of the emirate were being sold all over the place .