Vendors fined for selling loose cigarettes

Our Correspondent

Kangra, August 1

A team of officials of the Health Department, headed by Dr S Nikhil Gupta, District Programme Officer, conducted a surprise checking of cigarette vendors at different places in Kangra and Dehra subdivisions and fine to the tune of thousands of rupees was recovered from the violators during the last few days.

Dr S Nikhil Gupta said here today the raids were conducted at Neheren Pukhar, Naleti, Barhoon, Dehra and this town for violation under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA).

The health team, assisted by the police from Dehra, issued challans under Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of COTPA. The vendors were seen selling loose cigarettes and reportedly had not displayed statutary warning boards at their shops. He said some shopkeepers were found selling cigarettes in the vicinity of schools, Dr Nikhil said.

Dr Nikhil issued warnings to others not to sell loose cigarettes. He said there was a ban on the sale of tobacco products to the person below the age of 18 years and minors could not sell tobacco products.

He said the sale of tobacco was prohibited within a radius of 100 metres of any educational institution under Section 6.