Ruth Haines
Smoking laws vary across the world, and it is important to be aware of the local regulations, especially when travelling. In Morocco, there are no significant restrictions on smoking in outdoor spaces, bars, or restaurants. However, hotels may ban indoor smoking, similar to European countries, due to pressure from tourists rather than Moroccan law. Agadir Al Massira Airport (AGA) has a designated smoking area in the international departures area, allowing smoking on the premises.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoking allowed at Agadir Airport | Yes, in the designated smoking area in the Departure international area |
| Smoking laws in Morocco | Not many restrictions, if any. You can smoke in most bars and restaurants as well as outdoor spaces |
| Buying cigarettes in Morocco | Sold in packets or sleeves of 200. Single cigarettes can be bought from street sellers |
| Cost | 25-30 MAD per packet |
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What You'll Learn
- Smoking is permitted in Agadir Al Massira Airport's international departures area
- Morocco's smoking laws are not strict—you can smoke in most bars and restaurants
- Moroccan hotels may ban smoking inside, but it is not due to Moroccan law
- You can smoke in outdoor spaces in Morocco
- Some smokers in Morocco try to avoid smoking near other people
Smoking is permitted in Agadir Al Massira Airport's international departures area
Smoking is permitted in the international departures area of Agadir Al Massira Airport (AGA). The airport has a designated smoking area for travellers who wish to smoke before their flight. This is good news for smokers travelling through Agadir Airport, as they can enjoy a cigarette in a dedicated space without having to leave the terminal building.
Morocco, in general, has quite relaxed smoking laws. Smoking is permitted in most bars and restaurants, as well as outdoor spaces. Many travellers have reported being able to smoke in hotel lobbies and by the pool without any issues. Some hotels may have their own rules and designated smoking areas, but these are not governed by Moroccan law.
If you are a smoker travelling to Agadir, you can purchase cigarettes at local shops and supermarkets. A packet of cigarettes typically costs around 25-30 MAD. You can also buy single cigarettes from street sellers, which might be a more convenient option if you don't plan on smoking much during your stay.
It is worth noting that while there are no strict laws against smoking in public spaces in Morocco, it is always important to be considerate of others. Try to find a secluded spot away from non-smokers, especially in crowded areas. Respecting the personal space and preferences of those around you will help ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
So, if you are a smoker travelling through Agadir Al Massira Airport, rest assured that you can enjoy a cigarette in the designated smoking area within the international departures area. Just look out for the designated smoking area signs, and you'll be able to smoke before boarding your flight.
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Morocco's smoking laws are not strict—you can smoke in most bars and restaurants
Morocco has some regulations in place to restrict smoking in public spaces, but enforcement of these laws is inconsistent. While smoking is prohibited in some indoor public spaces, such as government buildings, it is permitted in most bars and restaurants. However, some modern cafes and restaurants have chosen to implement their own smoking bans, providing outdoor areas for smokers.
Morocco's laws on smoking in public places have been a topic of debate, with critics arguing that the existing regulations are not adequately enforced. The World Health Organization's (WHO) 2021 tobacco profile on Morocco rated the country's efforts to create smoke-free environments as "minimal." Despite this, Morocco has taken some steps to address the issue of smoking in public places. Law 15-91, enacted in 1995, aimed to curb smoking in public spaces and regulate the marketing and presentation of tobacco products. This law also mandated health disclaimers on tobacco packages and banned tobacco advertisements.
The tobacco industry in Morocco aggressively markets its products to lower-income populations and youth, contributing to the prevalence of smoking in the country. Recent studies indicate that nearly a quarter of Moroccan men are regular smokers, and smoking in public places remains a persistent issue. While some smokers appreciate the current level of freedom to smoke in various establishments, non-smokers have expressed their desire for stricter regulations to avoid the negative health impacts of secondhand smoke.
Although Morocco has implemented some measures to address smoking in public spaces, the enforcement of these regulations remains a challenge. It is important to note that the situation may change as Morocco continues to develop and prioritize public health initiatives. As of now, Morocco's smoking laws are relatively relaxed, allowing smoking in most bars and restaurants. However, it is always advisable to be mindful of designated smoking areas and respect the preferences of non-smokers.
Regarding Agadir Airport, smoking is permitted in a designated smoking area located in the international departures area. This designated area provides a space for smokers to smoke within the airport premises.
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Moroccan hotels may ban smoking inside, but it is not due to Moroccan law
Smoking is prohibited by Moroccan law in certain public places, including administrative offices, public transport, theatres, cinemas, and teaching establishments. However, the law does not explicitly mention restaurants, cafes, malls, stores, or hotels, and it is not always consistently enforced. While some Moroccan hotels may choose to ban smoking indoors to provide a smoke-free environment for their guests, this decision is not due to a legal requirement but rather the discretion of individual establishments.
Morocco has some regulations in place regarding smoking in public places, but these laws do not explicitly prohibit smoking in all indoor spaces. The legislation, Law 15-91, published in Official Gazette no. 4381 4318 on 2 August 1995, and which came into force in 1996, states that smoking is prohibited in "public places" defined as "all places intended for collective use, all public services, public establishments, and administrative offices." However, the interpretation of "public places" seems to vary, and the law is not consistently enforced across all types of establishments.
In practice, many restaurants, cafes, and hotels in Morocco may still allow smoking indoors or have designated smoking areas. It is important to note that social norms and attitudes towards smoking can vary across different regions of Morocco. Some larger cities and tourist destinations may be more likely to enforce smoking restrictions to cater to international visitors who are accustomed to stricter smoking regulations.
Additionally, Morocco's tourism industry plays a significant role in the country's economy, and some establishments may be hesitant to impose strict smoking bans to avoid alienating their customers. As a result, while smoking may be prohibited in specific public places by law, the enforcement and social acceptance of smoking can vary depending on the location and type of establishment.
When it comes to airports in Morocco, smoking policies can vary. For example, at Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK), smoking is only allowed outside the entrance of the terminal buildings, while Agadir Al Massira Airport (AGA) has a designated smoking area in the international departure area. These varying policies reflect the overall inconsistent enforcement of smoking regulations in Morocco, where individual establishments or locations may implement their own rules regarding smoking.
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You can smoke in outdoor spaces in Morocco
Smoking tobacco in Morocco is common, and it is possible to smoke in some outdoor spaces. Agadir Al Massira Airport, for example, has a smoking area in the departure international area. Marrakech Airport also has two smoking areas, one at arrivals and one between gates 2 and 3 at departures. However, smoking is banned in indoor public spaces in Morocco, including restaurants, malls, and any other indoor facilities. Some modern cafes will have an outdoor smoking area, and smoking is common in restaurants and coffee shops in Marrakech, Casablanca, and Rabat, although it is better to avoid smoking in public during the holy month of Ramadan.
While it is illegal to sell, buy, or grow cannabis in Morocco, it is commonplace to see it being sold across the country, particularly in cities like Marrakech, Fez, and Casablanca, and the Rif region. Local men will often purchase hashish and smoke it through a water pipe called a hookah, and these pipes are also sold at markets. The authorities largely turn a blind eye to hashish smokers, and a small amount of hash (up to 10 grams) is considered personal use, with a jail sentence of only 48 hours. However, you will get in trouble if you smoke in crowded places with children nearby or in front of a government building.
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Some smokers in Morocco try to avoid smoking near other people
Smoking is possible at Agadir Al Massira Airport (AGA) in the departure international area. However, smoking laws and attitudes towards smoking in Morocco vary. While some sources indicate that smoking is common in indoor spaces like cafes and restaurants, others note that smoking is banned in indoor public places, and that most modern cafes have outdoor spaces for smokers.
Morocco has had tobacco control legislation in place since 1996, which includes a ban on smoking in certain enclosed public places, such as coffee shops and restaurants, and advertising restrictions for tobacco products. However, a 2011 survey found that only 33.3% of Moroccans knew about the anti-smoking legislation, with higher awareness among smokers than non-smokers. The same survey found that less than 35% of respondents favoured a ban on smoking in public places, and there is a widespread view that the Moroccan population has little interest in tobacco control measures.
The tobacco industry aggressively markets its products to lower-income populations and youth in Morocco, and there is a high production and consumption of tobacco in the country. Smoking is a significant health risk, and people with mental illness are nearly twice as likely to smoke. While some smokers may be indifferent to smoking near others, it is important to be mindful of the impact of second-hand smoke on others' health.
As a smoker in Morocco, it is essential to be respectful of others' comfort and health. While smoking laws may not be strictly enforced in all indoor spaces, it is considerate to avoid smoking near non-smokers and to utilise outdoor spaces when possible. This simple act of consideration can go a long way in promoting harmonious coexistence between smokers and non-smokers in Morocco.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is a smoking area in the departure international area at Agadir Al Massira Airport.
There don't appear to be many restrictions on smoking in Agadir. You can smoke in most bars and restaurants, as well as outdoor spaces.
You can buy cigarettes from supermarkets and street sellers.
