BBMP mulls cracking down on illegal tobacco consumption

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In a move to enforce the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) of 2003, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike chaired a meeting with other enforcement agencies to curb illegal sale and consumption of tobacco products on Tuesday.

This comes at a time where Tobacco products along with drugs are consumed on large by minors in the city.

Senior Police Officer Badrinath, highlighted the need to regulate the sale of tobacco products in small shops along the roadside.

Kumar, the district program officer for Tobacco Control, spoke about the need to adopt appropriate measures to prevent the sale of tobacco near schools and colleges.

He mentioned that health officials, in collaboration with the police, would conduct inspections and impose penalties for violations of the COTPA Act.

Executives from the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority (KSLSA), Bengaluru Police, food, revenue, Health and Law and Order Department were present, and suggested ideas in this meeting.