18 challans issued to COTPA violators

A team of the district Health Department conducted inspections at various cigarette vends to check violations of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and issued 18 challans here on Tuesday.

Civil Surgeon Dr Kirandeep Kaur said the team led by district nodal officer, National Tobacco Control Program, Dr Jivan Jyot Kaur for national tobacco control programme issued challans to 13 cigarette vendors and five individuals for smoking in public places.

Dr Kirandeep Kaur said smoking in public places is not allowed and if a person is found doing so, he would be penalized.

Under the COTPA, the vendors are not allowed to sell loose cigarettes. The sale of tobacco products to minors is prohibited and shopkeepers are required to sell products as per the specifications of the government.