India: Revoke Ban on Flavoured Tobacco, say shopowners

Source from:  Times of India 08/13/2015

The state federation of paan (betel leaf) shopowners has asked the state government to revoke the ban on flavoured and chewing tobacco.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, office-bearers of the Maharashtra Paan Vyapari Mahasangh alleged that the ban was imposed due to "lobbying by foreign countries". They also demanded tax reforms to reduce burden on the business.

"Scientists have conclusively proved that tobacco is carcinogenic when burnt. This means that cigarettes should be banned. But due to extensive lobbying by cigarette companies, the government imposed a ban on chewing tobacco instead," said Hemang Shah, technical advisor to the Mahasangh.

The association will take out a rally to the Reserve Bank of India's Pune office on August 14 to press for economic and tax reforms to help betel leaf sellers.

"The betel leaf sellers struggle to support their families due to heavy taxes and assorted bans," said Sharad More, city president of the Maharashtra Paan Vyapari Mahasangh. The association has demanded levy of a 2% transaction tax on the product to reduce burden and ensure better compliance. Enditem