Karnataka, which tightens tobacco control laws, announced the main changes of cigarettes and other tobacco products (COTPA), 2003, on the occasion of the world that was observed in the world on May 31.
Changes – steps that the maximum fine for breach under the tobacco control laws has been increased from 200 to 1,000 GBP and the legal age for the purchase of tobacco products has been increased from 18 to 20 years – approved by President Murmu 23 May.
Amended law – cigarettes and other tobacco products (ban on advertising and regulation of trade and trade, production, supply and distribution) (Karnataka with amendment), 2024 – was published in Karnataka Gazette 30 May.
In addition to the existing ban on tobacco consumption in public places, chewing and spitting tobacco was also forbidden. Other key changes include the ban on the sale of free cigarettes or individual sticks and strict ban on the sale of tobacco products up to 100 meters from any educational institution. That was previously up to 100 yards.
Hookah bars
The state also deposited a blanket for bars hookah, regardless of whether they are located in restaurants, pubs or cafes. According to the newly added section 4A, the operation of the bar of hookah will now invite imprisonment in one to three years and fines between 50,000 to 1 lakh according to section 21a of the Act. Despite the earlier ban, hookah bars were still found illegally in parts of Bengalur.
While the designated smoking areas (DSA) will still be allowed in hotels with more than 30 rooms, restaurant with more than 30 and airports, the fines for violations increased from 200 to 1,000 GBP according to sections 21, 24 and 28.
Minister of Health Dinesh Gunda said that these changes are part of a major strategy of the state government that protects public health, especially in the younger generation in sensitive areas such as schools and universities.
Strict recovery
Surgical oncologist US Vishal Rao, a member of the high -performance committee for the inspection of the State Government, said that changes are an important step in trying to control tobacco control in Karnataka.
“We knew that according to data from the latest global tobacco survey for adults (Gats) for India, the number of tobacco users has been reduced by about 81 lakh. Rao Hindu.
After the changes, the Commissioner of the Bengalur B Dayananda Municipal Police referred to all owners of hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs and pubs to remove illegal designated smoking (DSA) or rooms that do not comply with COTPA rules.
“The DSA must be clearly marked and adequately ventilated according to COTPA instructions to ensure that non -smokers are not exposed to the other smoke. It is necessary to note that the provision of food, water, beverages or any tobacco products within DSAS is strictly forbidden.”
EOM/
Published – 31 May 2025 22:02 is
