Kolkata: The West Bengal government has banned smoking in public places and sale of tobacco products to minors in Darjeeling district failing of which would draw a fine of Rs 200.
Stating that the ban was in force in the Hills as per Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) in 2003, District Magistrate Anurag Srivastava told PTI that the administration has started its implementation from the Independence Day.
"It (ban on smoking in public places) was in place but the implementation was not done properly. Now on the directive from the Health department we started implementing the ban in the district from yesterday," he said.
Elaborating more on the ban, the DM said the sale of tobacco products to minors would be a punishable offence while sale of tobacco products would not be allowed within 100 metres of an educational institution.
"Not only the locals, this (ban) goes for tourists also. Anybody found smoking in public places will be fined Rs 200. And nobody will be allowed to sell tobacco-related products like cigarettes to minors below 18 years," Mr Srivastava said, adding that manufactures of tobacco products should adhere to the norm related to warnings on packages.
As per the COTPA, failing of adhering to the norm related to warnings on packages, the manufacturer of tobacco products on first conviction can face upto 2 years of imprisonment or can be fined Rs 5,000.
In fact, the DM said, emphasis would also be on the advocacy campaign for creating awareness among the masses regarding the issue.
Stating that the ban was in force in the Hills as per Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) in 2003, District Magistrate Anurag Srivastava told PTI that the administration has started its implementation from the Independence Day.
"It (ban on smoking in public places) was in place but the implementation was not done properly. Now on the directive from the Health department we started implementing the ban in the district from yesterday," he said.
"Not only the locals, this (ban) goes for tourists also. Anybody found smoking in public places will be fined Rs 200. And nobody will be allowed to sell tobacco-related products like cigarettes to minors below 18 years," Mr Srivastava said, adding that manufactures of tobacco products should adhere to the norm related to warnings on packages.
Advertisement
In fact, the DM said, emphasis would also be on the advocacy campaign for creating awareness among the masses regarding the issue.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Railways Plans To Improve Communication Systems After Bengal Train Crash Kanchanjunga Express Accident Highlights: PM Takes Stock, Rail Minister Reaches On Bike 9 Dead, 41 Injured After Goods Train Hits Kanchanjunga Express In Bengal "Trusted Mamata Banerjee But...": Father Of Murdered Doctor To NDTV "Like Indira Gandhi...": Student Arrested For 'Shoot Mamata Banerjee' Post What Murdered Doctor's Father Said About A Torn Page From Her Diary Elite Jewish High School Graduates Shun Columbia Amid Protest Turmoil Chhattisgarh Father Beats Girl, 8, To Death. She Was Fighting Sister For Toy In Lateral Entry Row, Rahul Gandhi Renews "Attack On Dalits..." Criticism Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.