Abu Dhabi, Jan 10 (IANS) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a law restricting the use of tobacco and its marketing, WAM news agency reported.

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued the law banning the import of tobacco and its by-products unless specific standard requirements are met.

The conditions include posting of clear written warnings on the boxes containing tobacco products. The law also bans all kinds of advertisements, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products.

The legislation prohibits smoking on public transport and closed public places and says no licence will be issued to cafes or similar outlets serving any types of tobacco or its products inside residential buildings or quarters or near them. Smoking will also be banned during vehicle driving in the company of a child under 12 years.

The law sets a series of penalties against offenders reaching in addition to a jail term of not less than two years.