The Punjab Government has completely banned the sale of loose cigarettes and other loose tobacco items under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003. The decision was taken considering that loose items do not require pictorial health warnings on them, which was mandatory under section 7 of the COTPA 2003.
“All the Deputy Commi-ssioners have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the Government directives. They have been especially asked to keep a close vigil near educational institutions, colleges and coaching institutes, schools, factories, offices and ensure complete ban on sale of single stick cigarettes and all kinds of tobacco products within 100 yards of these institutions,” a Government spokesperson said.
He said that anybody violating the directive would be dealt with strictly. Spokesperson said that nicotine in chemical form in the form of e-cigarette has already been declared as illegal. Special district level task force has also been constituted that would conduct surprise raids in all districts to ensure strict compliance of the orders.
The teams would submit the monthly details to the state Tobacco Control Cell of the challans issued and action taken against the violators, he added.