Kanpur To Crack Down On Tobacco Sales Near Schools, To Minors

Strict enforcement of the provisions of the COTPA Act-2003 will be ensured in Kanpur Nagar under the National Tobacco Control Programme, with action to be taken against those selling tobacco products within a 100-yard radius of schools and other educational institutions.

Selling tobacco to people below 18 years of age is also an offence. Smoking in public places can attract a fine of up to ₹200. Officials have made it clear that tobacco sale near schools, sale to minors, smoking in public places, sale of loose cigarettes, and violation of rules related to warnings and signage will be dealt with under the law.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Haridatt Nemi said that smoking in public places is prohibited under the COTPA Act. He said all offices and educational institutions must display a 60×30 centimetre board carrying the warning, ‘यहां धूम्रपान करना अपराध है’. Below this warning, the name of the nodal officer, mobile number and name of the department must also be mentioned for complaints.

There is a complete ban on direct or indirect advertisement of tobacco products. For a first violation, the law provides for a fine of up to ₹1,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or both. For a repeated violation, a fine of up to ₹5,000 and imprisonment of up to five years may be imposed. Promotional material will also be seized.

The CMO said selling tobacco products to any person below 18 years of age is an offence. Every tobacco seller must put up a related warning board of 60×30 centimetre size at the shop. Similarly, the sale of tobacco products will remain prohibited within 100 yards of the outer boundary of all educational institutions. A prescribed warning board must also be placed at the main gate of schools.

The rules also prohibit the production, storage, distribution and sale of tobacco products that do not carry 85 percent pictorial health warnings. For a first violation, there is a provision for a fine of up to ₹500 or imprisonment of up to one year. For a repeated violation, there is a provision for a fine of up to ₹1,000 and imprisonment of up to two years.

The sale of loose cigarettes is also prohibited. Violation of this rule will attract a fine of ₹1,000.

Dr. Nemi clarified that under the COTPA Act, the responsibility for putting up the prescribed signage and warning boards will rest with the concerned department, institution and tobacco seller. The enforcement will be carried out to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Act across the district.