Government Seeks Ban on Tobacco Sale within 500 m of Schools

Source from:  The Hindu 06/12/2015

The State government is keen on prohibiting tobacco sales within 500 metres of schools and other educational institutions, to stop children below 18 years of age from accessing tobacco products, said Health Minister U.T. Khader on Thursday.

The current rules prohibit sales within 100 metres of schools under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).

Speaking after inaugurating a two-day regional workshop on the National Tobacco Control Programme, organised by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the city, Mr. Khader, said: "If we get complaints from anyone regarding sale within the prohibited area, we will initiate stringent action against the shopkeepers."

Over 35 participants from 12 States at the workshop, discussed challenges in the implementation of COTPA Act and rules on the first day, will deliberate on developing guidelines for tobacco-free cities on Friday. Enditem