Retailers selling cigarettes, bidis and other tobacco products in Chamba district will now be required to obtain a registration certificate from the competent authority. Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repswal has directed all Sub-Divisional Officers (Civil) and Executive Officers of Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats to ensure that every tobacco retailer under their jurisdiction possesses a valid registration certificate by September 15.
The DC has also instructed the launch of a special awareness drive to guide retailers through the registration process and ensure compliance within the stipulated time. He warned that action under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) will be taken against those failing to secure the certificate by the deadline.
In Himachal Pradesh, the sale of loose cigarettes and bidis is prohibited and possessing a valid registration certificate is mandatory for all tobacco retailers. Selling tobacco products without this certificate can lead to imprisonment of up to three months, a fine of up to Rs 50,000 or both. For repeat offences, the penalty may extend to one year’s imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
Similarly, the sale of loose cigarettes or bidis carries a fine of Rs 10,000 for the first offence and Rs 15,000 for subsequent violations.
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